The wife of popular gospel artist Marvin Sapp died Thursday
after an 18-month battle with colon cancer. MaLinda Sapp was 43.
A licensed counselor, Sapp was administrative pastor at the church her husband founded, Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Grand Rapids, Mich. She also served as Marvin Sapp's manager and was credited as executive producer on many of his recordings.
According to a message on the church's website, she had been given a clean bill of health earlier this year. But the cancer resurfaced, prompting a 24-7 prayer campaign that drew national support.
Marvin Sapp is a Grammy-nominated gospel artist best known for his 2008 song "Never Would Have Made It." His follow-up project, Here I Am, debuted in March at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, making it the highest-charting album ever by a gospel artist.
According to the Grand Rapids Press, MaLinda Sapp is survived by her husband; their three children, Marvin
II, Mikaila and Madisson; her mother; two sisters; and two brothers.
