Duranice Pace was a gospel singer and evangelist who touched many lives with her powerful voice and uplifting message. She was the eldest sister of the Atlanta-based gospel group, The Anointed Pace Sisters, who released several chart-topping albums since the early 1990s. She also had a solo career and appeared on various TV shows, including The Steve Harvey Show, where she revealed her diagnosis of thyroid cancer in 2019. Sadly, Duranice Pace passed away on January 14, 2021, at the age of 62, due to complications from her long-standing illness. In this article, we will look at how Duranice Pace fought cancer and inspired millions with her faith and courage.
Contents
Duranice Pace’s Battle with Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland, a small organ in the neck that produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. According to the American Cancer Society, thyroid cancer is more common in women than men, and the risk increases with age. The most common symptoms of thyroid cancer are a lump or swelling in the neck, trouble swallowing or breathing, hoarseness or voice changes, and pain in the neck or throat.
Duranice Pace was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2018, after she noticed a lump in her neck. She underwent surgery to remove the tumor, but the cancer had spread to other parts of her body. She was told by her doctors that she had only three years to live. However, Duranice Pace did not give up hope. She said on The Steve Harvey Show that she believed God would heal her and that she was not afraid of death. She also said that she wanted to use her remaining time to spread the gospel and help others.
Duranice Pace’s Legacy of Faith and Music
Duranice Pace was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 13, 1958. She was one of nine children born to Reverend Murphy Pace Jr. and Bettie Ann Pace, who were both ministers and singers. Duranice Pace grew up singing in church and joined her sisters to form The Anointed Pace Sisters in 1975. The group was influenced by gospel legends such as The Clark Sisters, The Winans, and Shirley Caesar. They released their debut album, It’s the Morning Time, in 1989, followed by several other albums such as U-Know (1996), Access Granted (2001), My Purpose (2005), and Return (2009). Four of their albums charted on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart, with U-Know reaching No. 2.
Duranice Pace was one of the lead vocalists and songwriters of the group. She was known for her distinctive raspy voice and her ability to deliver soul-stirring performances. She also had a solo career and released an album called He’s Worthy in 1997. She sang at various events and venues, including churches, concerts, festivals, weddings, funerals, and prisons. She also appeared on TV shows such as Bobby Jones Gospel, TBN Praise the Lord, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and The Steve Harvey Show.
Duranice Pace was not only a singer but also an evangelist who preached the gospel with passion and conviction. She shared her testimony of how God delivered her from drug addiction, domestic violence, depression, and suicidal thoughts. She encouraged people to trust God and overcome their challenges with faith and prayer. She also supported various causes and charities, such as feeding the homeless, helping victims of natural disasters, and raising awareness about cancer.
Duranice Pace’s Impact on Millions of People
Duranice Pace’s death was mourned by many people who were touched by her life and music. Her family announced her passing on social media and thanked everyone for their prayers and support. They also said that Duranice Pace was eternally grateful for all her fans and friends who loved her unconditionally.
Many celebrities and public figures paid tribute to Duranice Pace on social media as well. Steve Harvey shared a clip of his interview with Duranice Pace on his show and wrote: “Duranice Pace spoke favor into my life one day at a time when I really needed it. She was one of those special souls.” Tyler Perry posted a video of Duranice Pace singing at his studio opening in 2019 and wrote: “She had this energy that was so infectious! It would light up any room.” Kirk Franklin tweeted: “Rest well Queen…you will be missed.”
Duranice Pace’s fans also expressed their sadness and appreciation for her legacy on social media. Many shared their favorite songs and videos of Duranice Pace and how they inspired them to overcome their struggles. Some also shared their personal stories of how they met Duranice Pace and how she impacted their lives. One fan wrote: “She was the first person to ever pray for me in person. She hugged me and told me everything was going to be alright. I will never forget that moment.” Another fan wrote: “She was my favorite singer of all time. Her voice gave me chills and made me feel God’s presence. She was a true angel on earth.”
Duranice Pace was a gospel legend who fought cancer and inspired millions with her faith and music. She left behind a legacy of love, joy, and grace that will live on in the hearts of many people. She once said: “I don’t want nobody to cry when I die. I want them to rejoice because I’m going to see my King.” Duranice Pace may be gone, but her spirit and voice will never be forgotten.
