Veda Brown
Jackie Gouché-Farris, a celebrated singer, renowned worship leader, author, and mother to D Smoke, SiR, and Davion Farris, tragically passed away on August 10 due to complications from an automobile accident that occurred on March 31 while she and a friend were enroute to Easter morning services. She was 61 years old.
Known for her powerful voice and impactful music ministry, Gouché served as the worship leader and minister of music at Bible Enrichment Fellowship for over three decades under the guidance of Apostle Beverly “Bam” Crawford. Her signature hit, “My Help,” has also been recorded by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, and is featured on one of two albums she released.
The news of her passing was shared through an Instagram post by her sons, who released the following joint statement: “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. We are grateful to everyone who showed up, brought food, spent time, called, gave plants, gave flowers ran errands and prayed for us during these past couple months. Our mother is no longer suffering and if you know her, you know where she’s at. We will keep y’all posted on how best to support us in this time. Thank you all for the love and just know when you see us, you see Jackie Gouché Farris, the greatest.”
Born into a musical lineage, her brother, Andrew Gouche is a Grammy award winning producer and world-renowned bassist who worked with Prince, Andrae Crouch, the Winans and served as the musical director for Chaka Khan. Both grew up singing in their grandfather’s church where their mother was the lead singer.
A classically trained pianist and singer, Gouché-Farris began her musical journey as a PTL Singer on the Jim and Tammy Faye Baker Show in 1981, eventually following in her mother’s footsteps as a background vocalist for icons such as Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Quincy Jones and Tina Turner.
The L.A. native also authored three books including her autobiography entitled “How Would I Know?” which chronicles her struggles with addiction and experiences in the music industry; and My “True Worshipers” a biblical perspective on Praise & Worship.
In her third book, the L.A. native recalled her time as a single mother to three boys in Inglewood, while her husband was incarcerated.
Her dedication to her three sons—a true testament to her nurturing spirit—has been instrumental in shaping them into the successful, Grammy-nominated artists they are today. Daniel “D-Smoke” Farris, emerged as the winner of the Netflix rap competition “Rhythm & Flow,” judged by Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, and T.I. Not only did he take home the $200,000 prize, but he also received international acclaim and a Grammy nomination for his 2020 release, “Black Habits.” “SIR” Darryl Farris (known as Inglewood SIR) is a celebrated R&B singer and Davion Farris, has penned songs for Yolanda Adams, Tyrese, the Pussycat Dolls and his music is featured on the television show “The Chi.”
A fourth book, “Harmony: Cultivating Inner Peace,” which reflects her journey toward maintaining tranquility amidst life’s challenges, had been set for release this year.