She Died at 60—Her Powerful Gospel Voice Touched Millions, but Her Final Years Were a Struggle
Gospel Music Has Lost a Powerful Voice as Beloved Singer Passes Away at 60 After Years of Fighting Kidney Disease
The gospel music community is mourning the loss of a beloved singer whose powerful voice touched countless lives and turned her music into a source of comfort, hope, and inspiration. After years of battling a serious health condition, the celebrated vocalist has reportedly died at the age of 60, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to reach listeners across generations.
According to 11Alive News, the singer passed away on Monday morning from kidney failure associated with chronic kidney disease. Her sister, Lydia Pace, revealed that she had spent five years on dialysis while waiting for a kidney transplant. Behind the music and the applause was a woman facing a difficult health battle, one that required years of treatment and patience.
Born in Atlanta, she became widely recognized as a member of The Anointed Pace Sisters, the gospel group known for its remarkable harmonies and passionate performances. Her soaring vocals helped make “I Know I’ve Been Changed” one of her signature songs, a powerful expression of faith that resonated with audiences far beyond the gospel music world.
Her influence was not limited to longtime gospel fans. A snippet of her 1996 hit “Act Like You Know” recently gained renewed attention on TikTok, introducing the song to a new generation of listeners. According to her sister, the renewed interest had encouraged her to begin working on another album, offering the possibility of fresh music from a voice people had loved for decades.
Her musical impact also reached the world of theater. Playwright and filmmaker Tyler Perry was inspired by her signature song, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” to create a play bearing the same title. The connection reflected the emotional power of her music and its ability to inspire stories that reached audiences in different ways.
Perry and the singer maintained a close friendship over the years. One particularly meaningful moment involved her mother, Bettie Ann Pace, who died in 2020 at the age of 82. Perry purchased a home in Atlanta for Bettie Ann, fulfilling her dying wish to become a homeowner. The gesture became a memorable part of the family's story and highlighted the personal relationships behind their public lives.
As tributes and memories continue to circulate, her songs remain a lasting reminder of the gift she shared with the world. Her legacy extends beyond recordings and performances, living on through the people who found strength and encouragement in her music.
The singer was Tarrian LaShun Pace. She is survived by seven of her nine sisters and her adult daughter, leaving behind a family, a devoted audience, and a body of gospel music that will continue to be heard for years to come.