SHELBY, N.C.,None — As the world mourns the loss of legendary pop-singer Whitney Houston, so are her family members in the Charlotte area.
Some of Houston's family members live in Cleveland County and even run a boutique selling some of the late singer's memorabilia.
"To me she was like a sister, more than just an in-law, she was a sister, a friend," said Billy Watson.
He is Houston's brother-in-law. His sister, Patricia Houston, grew up in Cleveland County and married the pop singer's brother, Gary Houston.
Watson said his sister and much of the family was in California for the Grammy Awards, when they learned of Houston's sudden death in a Beverly Hills hotel Saturday.
"It's a shocker to me," he said.
Houston had many friends and family in Cleveland County and even contributed to a program called "Teen Summit." The organization, founded by Patricia Houston, helps troubled teens and young adults.
Houston donated clothing and personal items to a celebrity consignment shop in downtown Shelby to help the organization. In October, the singer performed in a benefit concert in Shelby to aid "Teen
"Having known her and them having a chance to meet here obviously it's a devastating impact," said Pastor James Smith, who also works with the program.
Family members said the best was yet to come for the singer, who died well before her time at 48. "Everybody loved her, she was family. Sweet as she could be," said Watson.
Flowers and what appeared to be the beginning of a memorial outside of the Celebrity Consignment Boutique in Shelby had started Sunday.
WSOC
