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Public Viewing Tuesday For Esther Gordy Edwards

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The public is invited to a viewing for late Motown figure Esther Gordy Edwards in Detroit.

Those who want to pay their respects to the sister of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr. can do so Tuesday at James H. Cole Northwest Chapel. Edwards, often been described as "the pillar of Motown," died last week at age 91.

She helped build Motown Records and led efforts to turn its original Detroit headquarters into a museum.

Edwards was a Motown executive for nearly three decades, holding numerous leadership positions within the music company whose artists included Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations and The Four Tops.

Singer Martha Reeves said Edwards was a Motown mentor, responsible for the personal and professional development of so many acts as they began their careers, and was vital to the success of the  famed "Motown Revue" in the early 60's. (More on this, here).

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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