Past and present elected officials, Congressional Black Caucus members, civil rights leaders, noted clergy, and other dignitaries attended the funeral of Rosa Parks, who died October 24, 2005 at age 92. Reverend Jesse Jackson delivered the eulogy, while other participants, including former President Bill Clinton, paid tribute to Ms. Parks' legacy as a civil rights leader and her life as an example of perseverance. In often rousing remarks, participants also talked about the current state of race relations, the plight of minority groups in America, and the aspirations of the black community. 

The church had a capacity of 4,000 people, and was one of Detroit’s largest. Several soloists and choral groups of local and national renown performed at the ceremony.

Rosa Parks was later entombed in a mausoleum in Detroit’s Woodlawn Cemetery.