A Maestro’s Goodbye: Funeral Details for Richard Smallwood

Legendary gospel composer, pianist, and choir leader Richard Smallwood will be honored with a public Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Glenarden International in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

The service begins at 12:00 noon ET, with doors opening at 9:30 a.m., and arrangements entrusted to Precious Memories Funeral Home. Smallwood passed away on December 30, 2025, at age 77, following complications from kidney failure.

Best known for timeless worship anthems such as “Total Praise,” “I Love the Lord,” and “The Center of My Joy,” Smallwood helped define contemporary gospel by blending classical training with deep spiritual purpose. Born in Atlanta and raised in Washington, D.C., he studied music at Howard University, graduating cum laude, and later founded the Richard Smallwood Singers and the ensemble Vision.

His influence reached beyond the church, including Whitney Houston’s recording of “I Love the Lord” for The Preacher’s Wife. A highly respected figure in gospel music, Smallwood earned eight Grammy nominations, multiple Dove and Stellar Awards, and induction into gospel halls of fame.

As communities gather to honor him, his music will be remembered for its excellence, faith, and enduring impact on worship worldwide.