Jackie Gouché-Farris, Musical Matriarch, Dead At 61

Jackie Gouché-Farris — singer, author, and mother to D Smoke, SiR, and Davion Farris — has died at age 61 due to complications from a car accident that occurred on Easter (Mar. 31).

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The three artists made the tragic announcement on Instagram this past Sunday (Aug. 11).

“Today, at 9:19am 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,” they wrote. “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.”

The men expressed, “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. P.S. Please respect our privacy at this difficult time. If we don’t get back to you immediately, please understand.”

According to her official website , Gouché-Farris was a “mother, mentor, minister, musician, singer-songwriter, and author.” She was well-traveled and worked with some of music’s most prominent acts including Elton John, Michael Jackson , Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Chaka Khan , Quincy Jones, Patti LaBelle , Jill Scott, and Yolanda Adams.

She wrote three books: her memoir , How Would I Know ; True Worshippers , which is described as “an in-depth treatise on the biblical aspect of Praise and Worship” and Raising Kings , which detailed her experience raising Daniel “D Smoke” Farris, Sir Darryl Farris (SiR), and Davion Farris.

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Several tributes poured in as news of Gouché-Farris’ death circulated.

Jill Scott wrote, “Jackie is love! Jackie is light! By deed, she taught how to love a son. Inspiring work. THANK YOU for sharing her fellas. I’m so sorry for this loss. I love ya’ll. I’m here.” Tasha Smith expressed , “My sister! My friend! My Jackie! I’m going to miss you so much. My heart is broken.”

Her daughter-in-law, SHERIE, shared a video of them singing together and wrote, “This is what bonded us, she would come over and show me songs she wrote with her BEAUTIFUL voice and we would write songs together. She taught me piano and I taught her violin which she learned so fast! […] My bonus mom ,my mother in love, I have been so grateful to feel your presence to where a few years felt like a lifetime and I pray that I can continue to feel your presence every where I go. To know and love you is a blessing and how you welcomed me in your beautiful family (@dsmoke7) is also a blessing. Rest well with the lord mom; we all love you SO much and we will continue to celebrate your life and legacy.”

VIBE sends our deepest condolences to Davion Farris, D Smoke, SiR, Tiffany Gouché, SHERIE, the entire Gouché-Farris family, and all those affected by this loss.

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