I’ll never forget standing in the small country church where we said goodbye to my grandmother. The afternoon light spilled through the stained-glass windows, casting warm hues across the pews. It was quiet, save for the soft hum of the organ beginning to play her favorite gospel hymn —“Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” That moment stayed with me. The Gospel Funeral Songs didn’t just fill the room; it filled something in us too. It wrapped itself around our grief, offering comfort where words had failed.
Over the years, I’ve been to more memorial services than I ever imagined I would by now some in tiny chapels, some in large city churches, and some under open skies. Every time, the music has left a mark. Gospel funeral songs, in particular, carry a power unlike anything else. They don’t shy away from sorrow, but they don’t leave us in it either. Gospel lifts us up. It speaks of heaven, of peace, of faith that endures beyond the grave. And somehow, they help us feel connected, not just to the one we’ve lost, but to something bigger, something eternal. 
Looking For Gospel Funeral Music?
If you’re here, chances are you’re planning a service for someone you loved deeply. Or maybe you’re just preparing, wanting to have the right songs in mind should the time come. Either way, I want you to know you’re not alone. Choosing the right music for a funeral is a tender, emotional process. It can feel overwhelming at times, how do you capture an entire life in just a few songs?
That’s why I created this guide. I’ve gathered 100 gospel funeral songs that have brought comfort, healing, and hope to families across generations. Some are old classics, passed down through the years, and others are newer, resonating with a more modern sound while staying rooted in the same deep faith. Whether you’re looking for something soulful, uplifting, or quietly reflective, there’s something here that may speak to you.
My hope is that these songs help ease the process of planning and bring peace to your heart. Because when words fall short—as they often do in times of loss—music has a way of saying exactly what we need to hear.
Classic Gospel Funeral Songs
These timeless hymns have comforted generations. Many were sung in churches long before we were born, and they still hold the same power today.
- Precious Lord, Take My Hand – Mahalia Jackson
- Amazing Grace – Traditional
- I’ll Fly Away – Albert E. Brumley
- Swing Low, Sweet Chariot – Traditional
- How Great Thou Art – Traditional
- It Is Well With My Soul – Horatio Spafford
- Peace in the Valley – Elvis Presley
- The Old Rugged Cross – George Bennard
- In the Garden – C. Austin Miles
- Blessed Assurance – Fanny J. Crosby
Modern Gospel Comfort Songs
These gospel funeral songs blend gospel roots with a more contemporary sound. They’re often chosen for their heartfelt lyrics and calming presence.
- Take Me to the King – Tamela Mann
- I Can Only Imagine – MercyMe
- Broken But I’m Healed – Byron Cage
- Still – Tamela Mann
- Encourage Yourself – Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers
- Safe in His Arms – Rev. Milton Brunson
- God Provides – Tamela Mann
- Worth – Anthony Brown & group therAPy
- For Every Mountain – Kurt Carr
- He’s Able – Deitrick Haddon
Uplifting and Hopeful Gospel Funeral Songs
For those who want the service to feel like a celebration of life, these songs bring joy, hope, and even moments of lightness amidst the sorrow.
- Oh Happy Day – Edwin Hawkins
- Going Up Yonder – Walter Hawkins
- Soon and Very Soon – Andraé Crouch
- Victory – Yolanda Adams
- Heaven – Mary Mary
- Shackles (Praise You) – Mary Mary
- We Shall Behold Him – Sandi Patty
- Take My Hand, Precious Lord – Aretha Franklin
- Jesus Promised Me a Home Over There – Jennifer Hudson
- The Battle is the Lord’s – Yolanda Adams
Gospel Funeral Songs About Heaven and Reunion
These songs speak to the longing and hope of being reunited with loved ones in heaven.
- When We All Get to Heaven – Traditional
- I Want to Go to Heaven – Walter Hawkins
- Heaven Only Knows – Emeli Sandé
- Home – Michael W. Smith
- No More Night – David Phelps
- There’s a Leak in This Old Building – LaShun Pace
- I’m Going Away – Walter Hawkins
- Meet Me in Heaven – Johnny Cash
- Sweet Beulah Land – Squire Parsons
- I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy – Michael English
Songs That Speak of Rest and Peace
These tracks reflect calm, rest, and the quiet assurance of being held in God’s hands.
- His Eye is on the Sparrow – Lauryn Hill & Tanya Blount
- Total Praise – Richard Smallwood
- Order My Steps – GMWA Women of Worship
- I Won’t Complain – Rev. Paul Jones
- Come Ye Disconsolate – Thomas Moore
- Because He Lives – Gaither Vocal Band
- I Need You Now – Smokie Norful
- Holy Spirit – Tasha Cobbs Leonard
- I Am Not Alone – Kari Jobe
- The Lord is My Shepherd – Cissy Houston
Gospel Songs from Choirs and Groups
These are powerful, often full-choir arrangements that fill the room and lift spirits.
- The Presence of the Lord is Here – Byron Cage
- We Fall Down – Donnie McClurkin
- My Soul Has Been Anchored – Douglas Miller
- Now Behold the Lamb – Kirk Franklin
- Let the Church Say Amen – Marvin Winans
- Awesome – Charles Jenkins & Fellowship
- Jesus is Love – Commodores
- Changed – Tramaine Hawkins
- This Too Shall Pass – Yolanda Adams
- God Is – James Cleveland
Gospel Duets and Family Tributes
Perfect when planning a personal musical tribute by family members or close friends.
- Lean on Me – Kirk Franklin ft. Mary J. Blige, Bono, and others
- Stand – Donnie McClurkin
- I Call You Faithful – Donnie McClurkin
- One More Day – The Williams Brothers
- Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name – Shirley Caesar
- The Center of My Joy – Richard Smallwood
- Walk Around Heaven – Patti LaBelle
- God Has Smiled on Me – Jessica Reedy
- Be Blessed – Bishop Paul S. Morton
- All is Well – The Clark Sisters
Less-Known Hidden Gems
These may not be the first songs that come to mind, but they carry immense beauty and meaning.
- If Heaven Was Never Promised
- Worth Fighting For – Brian Courtney Wilson
- In Your Presence – William McDowell
- Just a Prayer Away – Yolanda Adams
- Father Can You Hear Me – Tiffany Evans (from The Fighting Temptations)
- Draw Me Close – Michael W. Smith
- I Almost Let Go – Kurt Carr
- He Looked Beyond My Fault – Dottie Rambo
- The Promise – The Martins
- Alabaster Box – CeCe Winans
Songs of Faith Through Grief
These songs are honest about loss and sadness, but rooted in faith that carries through.
- Trust in You – Lauren Daigle
- Praise Is What I Do – Shekinah Glory
- Thy Will – Hillary Scott & The Scott Family
- Broken – Shekinah Glory Ministry
- Even Me – Yolanda Adams
- Never Would Have Made It – Marvin Sapp
- Let Go, Let God – Dewayne Woods
- You Are Not Alone – CeCe Winans
- Cry Out to Jesus – Third Day
- Gracefully Broken – Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Songs to Close the Service With
These final songs are often used at the end of a service or during a video montage, offering a gentle send-off.
- Angels Watching Over Me – Traditional
- Sweet Sweet Spirit – Doris Akers
- Until Then – Stuart Hamblen
- The Benediction – Jonathan Nelson
- Going Home – Bill & Gloria Gaither
- Spirit Fall Down – Luther Barnes
- When God Is in the Building – The Mississippi Mass Choir
- Take Over – Fred Hammond
- Soon and Very Soon – Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
- We Shall Overcome – Traditional
Music plays such a sacred role in how we grieve, honor, and remember. Gospel funeral songs don’t just help us say goodbye—they give us language for hope, for faith, and for love that doesn’t end with a final breath. Whether you’re selecting one song or many, I hope this list makes your process just a little lighter and reminds you that even in sorrow, you are not alone.
If you’d like to download a printable version or curated playlist of these songs, or if you need help organizing music for a service, I’d be honored to help. Just reach out.
And may you feel surrounded by comfort, peace, and the warmth of the memories you hold dear.
