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Danniebelle's
ministry was dedicated to winning souls to Jesus. She had a special
gift. Not only did she play and sing beautifully, but she was
so "down to earth" that people couldn't help but feel comfortable
around her.
She
was often compared to Roberta Flack because of her intimate style
of singing and songwriting. Many times while performing, she said
she was simply serenading the Father. We all had the privilege
to take a seat and listen; we would then be ushered into His Spirit
by this great woman of God.
Growing
up the fourth of eight children in Pittsburgh, PA,
Danniebelle learned to play piano at the age of three. She confessed
Christ at an early age. To advance her passion for spreading the
Gospel through song, she enlisted the vocal talents of her two
younger sisters and formed the trio, The Jones Sisters.
In
1969, she formed a group called The Danniebelles. The group went
on tour overseas. This promoted the growth and the popularity
of The Danniebelles beyond expectations. They were able to record
an album and minister to thousands while touring with the World
Crusade Ministries.
A
few years later, Danniebelle joined her favorite Gospel group,
Andraé Crouch and the Disciples. She was featured on such classic
Gospel recordings as "Take Me Back" and "Soon and Very Soon."
Danniebelle
sang and recorded several solo albums that spanned the next 2
and a half decades. She has traveled worldwide. Using her own
personal trials as an example, she spread the love of Jesus Christ.
Although she composed and arranged music, she found great fulfillment
in being a lyricist. She is admired for having set biblical passages
to music.
In
1995, Danniebelle began her biggest personal battle yet. Being
an insulin dependent diabetic for a number of years, she was also
under treatment for hypertension. Surviving a mastectomy due to
breast cancer, left leg amputation below the knee, and a host
of other health related issues, Danniebelle's faith in God increased
daily.
She
passed on peacefully leaving a wonderful legacy. Danniebelle's
earthly presence will be missed, but her legacy will live on in
all of us.
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