California, August 11, 2024 – The Gospel music community in California is grieving the loss of Jackie Gouché Farris, a beloved singer, songwriter, author, and mother to three Grammy-nominated artists. Jackie passed away on the morning of August 10, 2024, due to complications stemming from a car accident that occurred on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. Despite the hopes of her family and friends for her recovery, the injuries she sustained were too severe, leading to her untimely death.
Jackie Gouché Farris was a towering figure in the Gospel music world, known not only for her powerful voice but also for her prolific songwriting and deep commitment to her faith. Her contributions to the music industry were vast, having worked with legendary artists like Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, and Stevie Wonder, among many others. Her impact on those who had the privilege of hearing her sing or being ministered to through her music was profound.
Her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media. Lettrice Lawrence II expressed her heartbreak on Facebook, writing, “My heart broke today. I got the news that Jackie Gouché passed this morning. I am speechless. She was a walking testimony, an amazing songwriter, a renowned book author, a celebrated psalmist, and an anointed musician. Her life was a testament of faith, God’s grace, her obedience, and what Christianity should look like. Rest well, beautiful.”
Another friend, Asa Awe, reminisced about Jackie’s kindness, recalling, “I remember when she took singing class with us at West LA. She was always nice, gave me pointers on how to sing, how to not let anyone take my voice. So sorry she was always nice.”
Jackie’s family, including her sons, who have made significant achievements in the music industry, also shared their grief. D Smoke, one of her sons, conveyed the depth of their loss, stating, “Today, at 9:19 am, our beautiful mother passed due to complications related to a car accident that took place on March 31st, 2024, Easter. As we process the immense heartache of loss, we’re careful to give thanks for having lived so close to one of the greatest souls to walk the face of this earth. She was our mother, music teacher, mentor in the home, role model, biggest fan, and friend.”
Jackie’s influence extended far beyond her family. She was a minister of music and worship leader at Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church for nearly 35 years, touching countless lives through her ministry. She also earned a Master of Divinity at Azusa Pacific University, further solidifying her commitment to her faith and community.
As the Gospel and broader music communities come to terms with this profound loss, Jackie Gouché Farris’s legacy will undoubtedly endure. Her voice may be silent, but her spirit will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, and through the music and faith she so passionately shared.