The matriarch of the DeBarge family, Etterlene DeBarge, has passed away at the age of 88.
According to reports, the veteran gospel singer had been battling with dementia and illness before her death at the Berkley Post-Acute in Woodland Hills on Friday morning.
She was known for her music and regularly performed with her kids, including musician El Debarge.
Burial arrangements are yet to be disclosed.
El Debarge’s Mother, Etterlene DeBarge, Died In Her Sleep
Etterlene DeBarge, who made a name for herself as the matriarch of the American R&B/Soul vocal group DeBarge, has died at the age of 88.
News of her demise was broken online by her daughter, Etterlene “Bunny” DeBarge, who said that the singer passed away in her sleep.
While the news did not reveal if her death was caused by any underlying ailment, sources have claimed that the mother-of-ten was battling with dementia and illness.
She leaves behind eight of her children, with two out of the initial ten dying in 1995 and in 2021. Etterlene is also survived by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her husband, George Rodriguez, whom she married in 1980 after divorcing her first husband, Robert.
Fans flooded her son, El Debarge’s social media with tributes to the matriarch following her death.
One person wrote, “I am praying for your entire family. Mama DeBarge is/was a beautiful being. She is now with her Father. I pray strength to your family.”
Another said, “RIP Etterlene DeBarge, prayers & condolences to the DeBarge family.”
Etterlene Debarge’s Legacy Lives On
Etterlene’s musical journey covered over 70 years, from 1950 until her death in 2024. She was notably recognized for her contributions to the gospel music genre, having released albums such as “Back on Track” and “A City Called Heaven.”
Her love for music was seen not only in her own career but also in her commitment to fostering her children’s talents. She passed on her musical gifts to her offspring, with four of them – Bunny, Randy, Mark, and El – eventually forming the renowned DeBarge family group.
Through them, her legacy lives on despite the family’s struggles and hardships when she was still married to her first husband, Robert.