Etterlene DeBarge Obituary

Etterlene Louise Rodriguez (formerly DeBarge, née Abney) graced this world on October 13, 1935, and departed it on February 16, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of faith, resilience, and musical brilliance. Known to many as the matriarch of the American R&B/soul vocal group DeBarge, Etterlene’s life journey was marked by profound love, unwavering strength, and a passion for gospel music that touched the hearts of millions.

Born as Etterlene Abney in Royal Oak, Michigan, Etterlene was one of twelve children, blessed with a twin sister. Her humble beginnings in the Brewster-Douglass housing projects of Detroit’s Lower East Side instilled in her a deep appreciation for family and community. In 1952, fate intervened when she crossed paths with Army veteran Robert DeBarge, sparking a love story that would shape her life in profound ways.

Etterlene and Robert exchanged vows in 1953, embarking on a journey of love and resilience that would see them through ten children and countless challenges. Settling in Detroit’s predominantly black neighborhood, the couple nurtured their growing family with love and dedication. In 1972, they relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Etterlene’s brother, Bishop William Charles Abney, Jr., served as pastor of Bethel Pentecostal Church.

Despite the trials and tribulations of her personal life, Etterlene’s passion for music remained unwavering. In 1991, she collaborated with her children to release the gospel album “Back on Track,” a testament to her unwavering faith and musical talent. Her second gospel album, “A City Called Heaven,” followed in 2005, further solidifying her legacy as a gifted songwriter and gospel singer.

Etterlene’s journey was marked by both triumphs and trials, chronicled in her memoir “Other Side of the Pain.” Through its pages, she shared the intimate details of her marriage, her children’s rise to fame, and the struggles they faced under the spotlight. Her courage in confronting life’s challenges and her unwavering faith in the face of adversity continue to inspire countless individuals around the world.