Lawrence Journal-World. In the late 1960s she hosted her own talk show, Della, which ran for 197 Della Reese sings during the Detroit 300 festival on July 20, 2001 in Detroit. Born: 6-Jul-1931 Birthplace: Detroit, MI. Delloreese Patricia Early (July 6, 1931 – November 19, 2017), known professionally as. Lawrence Journal-World Homepage. Della Reese is survived by her children: Deloreese, James, Franklin, and Dominique, and also by her husband, Franklin Lett. Labor of Love: Directed by Jim Johnston. Published on November 20, 2017 12:40PM EST Della Reese, the vocal powerhouse who later starred as heaven-sent Tess on the television series Touched By an Angel, died Sunday evening at age 86. Musician and Touched by an Angel star Della Reese died on Sunday, at the age of 86. Downey and her husband, television producer Mark Burnett, (“Survivor” and. Photfest. Duration of Marriage: July 1951 – 1958 (6 years) Vermont was a factory worker and 19 years older that Della. Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an Angel," has died at age 86. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, and three children. “On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends. Della. She began her long career as a singer, scoring a hit with her 1959 single "Don't You Know?". Rate Della Reese as Singer here. Holly learns her sister is being physically abused by her husband. In fact, three of them. 1958) Leroy Basil Gray ( m. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Marriot at L. Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama “Touched by an Angel,” has d…Della Reese died on Nov. As a teenager, she toured with gospel great Mahalia Jackson and, at the age of 18, she formed the Meditation Singers and became the first performer to take gospel music to the casinos of Las Vegas. Producer: The Moving of Sophia Myles. Then a neighbor knocked on the door and said she and her husband had each bought a loaf of bread and offered one up. Della Reese is American by birth. by Anne Tyler. Della Reese and her husband Franklin Lett Jr. Saturday at Ralls First Baptist Church with the Rev. Actress: Touched by an Angel. Della Reese on Redd Foxx's death - EMMYTVLEGENDS. Della Reese is located in the USA. Of her death, co-star Roma Downey, who played Monica on the series, posted on Instagram, “Heaven has a brand new angel Della today. She was 86 years old. Aunt Rachel (1986) The. Mom, Mother, Ongoing. Deloreese Daniels Owens, the daughter she adopted from her half-brother and his wife when the child was 2, died in March 2002 at age 41. For almost a. Reese died at her home in Encino, California, according to her Chicago friend Shell Reyes, who said she designed the wedding rings worn by Ms. Ray Charles Robinson was born on 23 September 1930 in Albany,. A woman hopes to surprise her husband by flying to Paris with him, but has her own surprise when he is with another woman who is pregnant with his child. 19, 2017. The story consist of a neglected young white girl, from a family who's patriarch grandpa Foley mistreats her and tries to force her into prostitution, and into hustling soldiers for money. Reese seen attending the 2004 Trumpet Awards in Atlanta with her husband, Franklin Lett. Della Reese is deceased. Advertisement. Detroit native Della Reese, who enjoyed dual careers as a singer and later as a TV star on the CBS hit "Touched By An Angel," has died at age 86. . Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, and three children. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Dominique Reese, Franklin Reese, and James Reese are her three sons. Franklin Lett was born on 20 November 1936 in the USA. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Della Reese, who rose to fame as a jazz singer and later found television stardom on the drama "Touched by an Angel," has died. She is survived by her husband Franklin Lett. Della Reese was married three times. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Her TV. “On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends and family, I share with you the news that. 19. “She was an incredible. For more than 30 years, singer and actress Della Reese and her husband, producer Franklin Lett, called this Bel-Air address home when they owned a mid-century home on the site. Della Reese was born on July 6, 1931 (age 86) in Detroit, Michigan, United States She is a celebrity gospel singer Her genres are R&B,pop,jazz,gospel,traditional pop She joined movies and tvshows named Touched by an Angel (1994 – 2003), Harlem Nights (1989), The Royal Family (1991 – 1992), Chico and the Man (1974 – 1978) and Charlie & Co. She was predeceased by her daughter Deloreese. All three of her sons are with her fourth husband, Franklin Lett Jr. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Della Reese, the singer and actress who starred on television's "Touched by an Angel," has died at age 86, family says. Della immediately sprung into action and told everyone to call the. She is survived by her husband, Franklin. Della Reese real name was Delloreese Patricia Early. As a young girl, Ms. on July 6, 1931, to Richard Thaddeus Early, a steelworker by profession, and Nellie, a professional cook. See all Della Reese's marriages, divorces, hookups, break ups, affairs, and dating relationships plus celebrity photos, latest Della Reese news, gossip, and biography. Della Reese is an American singer and actress. She was in three celebrity relationships averaging approximately 14. Ted White with Aretha and Jerry Wexler in 1968. Nationality. 2007) . She was 86. Bea was in her mid-20s when she met him in Texas in 1954, and she was doing well in her gospel music career. "On behalf of her husband, Franklin. On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends and family, I share with you the news that our beloved Della Reese has passed away peacefully at her California home surrounded by. Funeral Home Services for Della are being provided by Williamson Funeral Home. The legendary singer was only married twice, his first marriage lasting only one year. . Floyd Haddock officiating. " Barbara is best remembered as Della Street, long. They married on April 5, 1955, in a junk-filled back room in. Her three marriages averaged 14. All three of her sons are with her fourth husband, Franklin Lett Jr. The Reichen Show (2005–2006) Reichen welcomes guests actress Della Reese, actor/singer John Schneider and singer LeAnn Rimes. She began her long career as a singer, scoring a hit with her 1959 single "Don't You Know?". Della Reese was a favorite singer of mine and then as a guest on the Johnny Carson show I thought she was legendary. Full Real Name. -- Della Reese, best known recently for her role as Tess on the hit TV series "Touched by an Angel," died Sunday, her family confirmed for ABC News. New Orleans style band "Megan" leads in. Los Angeles Times. -. 1961. She is survived by her children James, Franklin and Dominique, as well as husband. We invite you to share condolences for Della Reese in our Guest Book . LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. With three failed marriages, Della had a daughter who was adopted, Deloreese Daniels Owens. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, and three children. Della Reese who enjoyed dual careers, first as a jazz and pop singer and later as a TV star on CBS' Touched By An Angel, has died at age 86. Reese is survived by her husband and three children. These scans come from my rather large magazine collection. Reese is survived by her husband of 34 years. 1958). Actress and singer Della Reese has died at the age of 86. Like Perry Mason in the 2020 HBO revival, Gardner, too, was. Della Reese. Linda is graduating from law school. The 20-year-old All-American transferred to LSU in the offseason following two seasons at. 1983), Leroy Gray (m. [spouse(s) unknown] [children unknown] Died [date unknown] [location unknown]LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. November 20, 2017 1:50pm. Della Reese, known for her amazing career in singing and starring in the hit show Touched By An Angel has died at the age of 86 on Sunday, November 19, 2017. The “Touched by an Angel” cast, starring Della Reese, Roma Downey, John Dye and Valerie Bertinelli. California, where she founded a Christian New Thought church with her husband, and works as a minister. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. “On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends. "He's been great," Burke told Eating. FayesVision/WENN. Find out more here. Franklin Lett. In. We love you," the emotional statement concluded. Della Reese, who rose to fame as a jazz singer and later found television stardom on the drama “Touched by an Angel,” has died, it was announced Monday. 2 points and 15. 1951, div. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. com. Be the first to review. Producer: The Moving of Sophia Myles. American Actress Della Reese was born Delloreese Patricia Early on 6th July, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan, USA and passed away on 19th Nov 2017 Encino, Los Angeles, California, USA aged 86. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Associated Press. Reese’s husband number 3, she first tied the knot to Vermont Adolphous Bon Taliaferro on July 1, 1951; he was a factory worker 19 years her senior. 14 Copy quote. Della Reese, who segued from pop and jazz singing stardom in the ‘50s and ‘60s to a long career as a popular TV actress on “ Touched by an Angel ” and other shows, died Sunday night at her. Associated Press. Heaven has a brand new angel Della today 🕊🕊🕊On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends and family, I share with you the news that our beloved Della Reese. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, and three children. File – Actors Della Reese, left, and Roma Downey, look on as Downey’s husband, television producer Mark Burnett, is honored. The legendary Della Reese is a multiple Grammy®, Emmy®, Golden Globe® nominee and seven-time NAACP Image® award winning actress and singer whose career spans over 60 years. Music legend and actress Della Reese passed away at the age of 86 in her home in Encino, Calif. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Known as the "King of the Party Records", he performed on more than 50 records in his lifetime. . That’s the shocking accusation of the TV legend’s former executive assistant Billie Hall, who claims Della and her husband Franklin Lett basically “looked the other way” while employees mismanaged funds at their Understanding Principles for Better Living Church. While a cause of death wasn't disclosed. She is best known for her role as Tess on the television series Touched by an Angel. Her co-star, Roma Downey, who played the role of a kind-hearted angel named Monica in the series broke the news in a statement on behalf of Reese's. "On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends and family, I. She was additionally a mother to daughter Deloreese Daniels Owens, who passed away. Video Rating: 4 / 5. K. Reese was also an ordained minister who led a congregation in Los Angeles. Her second husband, from 1959 until their divorce in 1961, was Leroy Gray, an accountant. Who Is Della Reese's Husband? Her husband is Franklin Lett (12 January 1983 - 19 November 2017) ( her death) ( 3 children), Leroy Gray (28 December 1959 - 1961) (. She was also a. Vermont Taliaferro in July 1951, Leroy Gray on December 28, 1959, and Franklin Lett on January 12, 1983 were her husbands. After just a few weeks of dating, the couple got married while touring Ohio in 1961, when Franklin was 18 and White was 30. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Barbara Hale. Search by Name. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Lawyer-turned-writer Gardner had employed three sisters to work for him as his secretaries. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, and three children. Singer Della Reese and actress Roma Downey attend The Salvation Army Sally Awards at the J. She was born Delloreese Patricia Early on July 6, 1931, in Detroit. Posted in Della Reese | Tagged Della, Don't, Know, Puccini, Reese | Leave a comment. 14. “On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett. See all Della Reese's marriages, divorces, hookups, break ups, affairs, and dating relationships plus celebrity photos, latest Della Reese news, gossip, and biography. She was 86. Birth of Della Reese. "On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends and family, I share with you the news that our beloved Della Reese has passed away peacefully at her California home last evening. Della Reese was an American singer, actress, as well as an ordained minister. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Available for both RF and RM licensing. Della Reese received a diploma from Cass Technical High School in Detroit. net Family Spouses Franklin Lett (January. Children. She began her long career as a singer, scoring a hit with her 1959 single "Don't You Know?". Check Della Reese Measurements, Net Worth, Height and Age check also how tall is Della Reese measurements. The Moving of Sophia Myles: Directed by Michael Switzer. Obituaries Section. Her three sons were Franklin, James, and Dominique, and her daughter was Deloreese. " Barbara is best remembered as Della Street, long. By. Children are the future. Della Reese was an actress, singer and ordained minister, but she was also a beloved mother figure to costar and friend Roma. Musician and Touched by an Angel star Della Reese died on Sunday, at the age of 86. Source: Pinterest Former Husband, Ray Charles. She died Thursday, Jan. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin Lett, and three children. Barbara was born on 18 April 1922, as one of two children. login . attend a gala in 2004. Her TV. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Reese was not the only child of her parents; however, she grew up alone as none of her siblings lived with them. Della Reese was a favorite singer of mine and then as a guest on the Johnny Carson show I thought she was legendary. News of Della Reese's death was shared by her former Touched by an Angel co-star Roma Downey, with full consent from her family and husband Franklin Lett. Adelle M. Della Reese is deceased. Music legend and actress Della Reese passed away at the age of 86 in her home in Encino, Calif. Franklin Lett. She has performed on stage with the famed Abbey Theater and has appeared both on and off Broadway. After acclaimed actress and singer Della Reese died on November 19, 2017, she and her good friend comedian Redd Foxx are now probably laughing and joking in spirit together. She leaves behind children Deloreese, James, Franklin, and Dominique, as well as husband Franklin Lett. While a cause of death wasn't disclosed. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Barbara was born on 18 April 1922, as one of two children. The actress and gospel-influenced singer found her greatest. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Della Reese, who segued from pop and jazz singing stardom in the ‘50s and ‘60s to a long career as a popular TV actress on “Touched by an Angel” and other shows, died Sunday night at her. Franklin Lett was the third husband of the amazing Della Reese. Della Reese, a performer and pastor best known for her starring role on the CBS spiritual drama Touched by an Angel, has died at 86. 1969. Ilya S. Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an Angel," has died at age 86. For nine years, viewers tuned in to watch a pair of angels help mere humans through hard times in their lives on Touched by an Angel, which ran from 1994 to 2003. Reese’s co-star on the series, Roma Downey, said in a statement that the actress died peacefully Sunday evening in her home in the Los Angeles area. ”. Reese is survived by her third husband, Franklin Lett, whom she marred in 1983, and their three children. Who is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson's husband? Della was married to the legendary jazz musician Ray Charles. Reese died at the age of 86 on November 19, 2017. Actress: Touched by an Angel. Della Reese was a favorite singer of mine and then as a guest on the Johnny Carson show I thought she was legendary. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin. She was a vocalist with the Erskine. Reese, who starred. Music . 3. The actress "passed away. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. She has also had a successful career as a jazz and gospel singer, releasing eight studio albums and charting several singles on the Billboard Hot 100. As a result, divorced him and went home to Houston. Live on October 1, 2015 in Los Angeles,. Foxx suffered a fatal heart attack on the set Oct. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. Our Research team at present workingon about Della Reese, we update her Sibling, Family, Spouse and Children information very shortly. In a statement, the late actress' rep told E! News Monday. Mrs. Della Reese, who rose to fame as a jazz singer and later found television stardom on the drama “Touched by an Angel,” has died. Learn about Della Reese's net worth, height, husband, boyfriend & kids. Della Reese, the big-voiced songstress who eventually launched a successful acting career in shows like "Touched by an Angel," died Sunday. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. But that family suffered a heavy loss with Dye’s. Reese and her husband Franklin Lett. Her TV. ( m. 5 votes. Reese is survived by her husband and three children. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. She was nominated for a Grammy Award as Best Female Soloist in Gospel music in 1987. Della Reese and her husband Franklin Lett arrive at the Africa Channel's Night of Tribute Awards Show at the Nate Holden Performing. Della Reese, the music legend and star of Touched by an Angel, has died aged 86. From singing in her family’s bathroom to singing backup for Mahalia Jackson at the tender age of 13, Reese, who has. Search by Name. “On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all. Ann Arbor News Homepage. . These scans come from my rather large magazine collection. Attend "An Evening with Reverend Della Reese" at Borders Bookstore May 5, 2001 in Los Angeles,. Franklin Lett. During the same era, Reese and her husband Franklin Lett made several celebrated movies for CBS, titled “The Secret Path,” “Anya’s Bell” and “The Moving. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. . Della has three sons named Dominique Reese, Franklin Reese, and James Reese. surrounded by love” on Sunday, Nov. A show about two angels riding around in a Cadillac. 19) at age 86. Death of Nellie Early. Reese's four marriages included a brief, annulled union with Mercer Ellington, son of jazz great Duke Ellington. Her costar Roma Downey confirmed the news to PEOPLE in an exclusive. Find. Delloreese Patricia Early (July 6, 1931 – November 19, 2017), known professionally as Della Reese, was an American jazz and gospel singer, actress, and ordained minister whose career spanned seven decades. “Heck, no!” said Reese. Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, United States. Della Reese was also an accomplished gospel singer, having been discovered by Mahalia Jackson when she was just 13 years old, and went on to become an ordained minister in the 1980s. As noted, Mr. Franklin Lett. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an Angel," h Menu. Attend "An Evening with Reverend Della Reese" at Borders Bookstore May 5, 2001 in Los Angeles,. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. November 21, 2017. In the strip club (natch) "Gonna have a big old night tonight". 1949. On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her. “On behalf of her. Reese’s co-star on the series, Roma Downey, said in a statement that the actress died peacefully Sunday evening in her home in the Los Angeles area. From the 1962 album “The Classic Della”, originally released as a single in 1959. He is a producer and executive, known for The Moving of Sophia Myles (2000), Anya's Bell (1999) and The Secret Path (1999). Della Reese who enjoyed dual careers, first as a jazz and pop singer and later as a TV star on CBS' Touched By An Angel, has died at age 86. Producer: The Moving of Sophia Myles. LOS ANGELES: Actress and gospel singer Della Reese, best known for her role in the “Touched By An Angel” television series, has died at the age of 86 at her home. Della Reese – Don’t You Know? (“Puccini”) Posted on December 16, 2014 by admin. Savenok/Getty Images. Her costar Roma Downey confirmed the news to PEOPLE magazine: “On behalf of her husband. While the exact number of Franklin Lett’s net worth is unknown, you can learn how he met his wife. Using a light-hearted, relatable cast, the show tackled plenty of issues that were happening around the world. Submit an Obituary. Douglas C. Date Of Birth: 06. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. In a statement, the late actress' rep told E! News Monday, "The world has lost a huge talent. The actress and gospel-influenced singer found her greatest. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an. No further details were included. Reese's co-star on the series, Roma Downey, said in a statement that the actress died. Obituaries Section. 20, 2017. Heaven has a brand new angel Della today 🕊🕊🕊On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends and family, I share with you the news that our beloved Della Reese. Reese is survived by her husband, Franklin. Delloreese Patricia Early. (CBS). "Her signature television role came late. Della Reese, who segued from pop and jazz singing stardom in the ‘50s and ‘60s to a long career as a popular TV actress on Touched by an Angel and other shows, died Sunday night at her home in. Filed Under: Entertainment , TV , Music , Della Reese , Cause of Death , cbsAt first, Della thought it was another one of Redd’s pranks until she quickly realized it wasn’t when Foxx told her to “Go call my wife. In 1976, Reese landed the role of Delia Rogers on the popular sitcom, Chico and the Man. Stammer. m. Actress and singer Della Reese died on Monday at the age of 86. The star died at her California home on Sunday. Her TV. Her TV. “On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her friends and family, I share with you the news that. They were divorced in 1958. . Deloreese Daniels Owens, the daughter she adopted from her half-brother and his wife when the child was 2, died in March 2002 at age 41. Barbara Hale. "On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett, and all her. Della Reese dating history Relationships. Roma Downey is an Emmy-nominated actress and producer who has been creating inspirational content for 25 years. Instead of filling my house with old moldy magazines, I scanned them (in most cases. Actress and gospel singer Della Reese, best known for her role in the "Touched By An Angel" television series, has died at the age of 86 at her home in California, her family said on Monday. Della Reese who began her career as a R&B and jazz singer in the '50s and '60s has died. “On behalf of her husband, Franklin Lett. . Reese “passed away peacefully. Menu. She has also appeared as a guest on several talk shows and as a panelDella Reese is an American singer, actress, and ordained minister. For almost a decade, Roma starred on the hit CBS show, "Touched by an Angel. Singer Della Reese and actress Roma Downey attend The Salvation Army Sally Awards at the J. Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama "Touched by an Angel," has died at age 86. 1959–1961), Vermont.