LaShun Pace: The Unforgettable Voice of Gospel Music
There are voices that entertain, and then there are voices that transform. LaShun Pace possessed the latter. When she opened her mouth to sing, it wasn’t just music that came out—it was a force of nature, a raw and unbridled declaration of faith that could shake the rafters of any church and stir the deepest corners of the human soul. From the small, tight-knit community of Poole Creek in Atlanta to the grand stages of the gospel music world, her journey was one of divine talent, profound resilience, and an unshakeable belief in the power of song. She was more than a singer; she was a minister, a survivor, and a matriarch of a musical dynasty that redefined contemporary gospel. This is the story of Tarrian LaShun Pace, a woman whose life was a testament to the idea that even in the face of unimaginable loss, the spirit can still rise and sing.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tarrian LaShun Pace |
| Also Known As | LaShun Pace-Rhodes, Shun Pace-Rhodes |
| Profession | Gospel Singer, Songwriter, Evangelist, Actress |
| Date of Birth | September 6, 1961 |
| Place of Birth | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Date of Death | March 21, 2022 (aged 60) |
| Parents | Pastor Murphy J. Pace & Bettie Ann Pace |
| Siblings | One of ten children; part of the Anointed Pace Sisters |
| Spouse | Edward Rhodes (m. 1988–div. 1993) |
| Children | Xenia Pace Rhodes and Aarion Pace Rhodes |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5 million – $2.5 million |
| Social Media | Instagram: @OfficialLaShun (inactive); Twitter: @OfficialLashun (inactive) |
Early Life and the Sound of Faith
To understand the magnitude of LaShun Pace’s voice, one must first understand the environment that shaped it. Born on September 6, 1961, in Atlanta, Georgia, she was the fifth of ten children born to Pastor Murphy J. Pace and Bettie Ann Pace. The Pace household was not just a home; it was a sanctuary. Growing up in the small community of Poole Creek, LaShun and her siblings were raised in the strict, spiritually rich tradition of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC).
In the Pace household, secular music was not permitted. There was no pop radio, no television in the early years—just the sound of church hymns, family harmonies, and the unadulterated power of worship. This restriction, which might have seemed stifling to some, became the forge in which LaShun’s unparalleled talent was shaped. Her vocal style wasn’t learned from a record; it was forged in the fires of revival, honed in the pews of the church, and passed down through generations of spirituals. Every run, every growl, every soaring note she would later become famous for was rooted in authentic, lived faith.
Her formal education took place at Walter F. George High School, which is now known as South Atlanta High School, from which she graduated in 1979. But the real education for LaShun began long before she walked across that graduation stage. By her teenage years, she was already singing professionally, performing solo and alongside her sisters in the mid-1970s. This early exposure to the rigors of performance, combined with the deep spiritual foundation of her upbringing, set the stage for a career that would span over four decades.
The Anointed Pace Sisters: A Family Legacy
While LaShun was a formidable solo talent, her story is inextricably linked with that of her family, particularly her eight sisters, with whom she formed the legendary group, The Anointed Pace Sisters. Formed in the late 1980s， the group was a powerhouse of vocal talent, each sister bringing her own unique flavor to the ensemble. Together, they became a cornerstone of contemporary gospel music.
The group was a family affair, managed and nurtured by their mother, Bettie Ann. Their talent was undeniable, and they quickly gained recognition, winning Best Gospel Group at a COGIC convention. They toured nationally with their dynamic uncle, Evangelist Gene Martin, as part of Evangelist A.A. Allen’s Action Revival Team. This experience was invaluable, allowing LaShun and her sisters to develop their stage presence and ministerial skills while spreading the gospel across the country.
Their 1992 album, U-Know, was a massive success, remaining on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart for over a year and climbing to the number two spot. The group’s tight harmonies, powerful lead vocals, and innovative sound earned them both Stellar Award and Grammy Award nominations. They were not just a gospel group; they were a movement, and at the heart of that movement was the unmistakable voice of LaShun Pace.
The Solo Career: A Voice That Could Not Be Contained
Though she was a vital part of The Anointed Pace Sisters, LaShun Pace’s voice was too powerful to be contained within a group setting for long. Her solo career was launched in a way that seems almost serendipitous. In 1988, she recorded the song “In the House of the Lord” with Dr. Jonathan Greer and the Cathedral of Faith Church of God in Christ Choirs for Savoy Records. Her vocal performance on that session was so stunning that the label’s executives immediately saw a star. They signed her as a solo artist on the strength of that single recording.
Her debut solo album, He Lives, was released in 1990 (or 1991, according to some sources). The album was an instant classic, reaching the number two spot on the Billboard gospel charts. It featured her signature song, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” an old-school favorite that showcased her incredible vocal range and emotional depth. This song would become her anthem, a declaration of faith that resonated with millions and remains a staple in gospel music today.
She followed up this success with a string of critically acclaimed albums, including Shekinah Glory (1993), Wealthy Place (1996), and Just Because God Said It (1998). Her 1996 hit, “Act Like You Know,” featuring Karen Clark Sheard, became another signature track. LaShun’s style was unique in the gospel world. She could “growl with ferocity as easily as she can nimbly run up and down the musical stave in unbridled improvisation”. This raw, unpolished power, combined with her incredible technical skill, made her one of the most respected and beloved vocalists in the industry. In recognition of her contributions to music, she was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
Beyond Music: A Leap of Faith into Acting
LaShun Pace’s talents were not confined to the recording studio or the church pulpit. She also made her mark as an actress. In 1992, she co-starred as the Angel of Mercy in the Steve Martin film Leap of Faith. This role introduced her to a wider audience, showcasing her ability to command a screen with the same presence she had on stage.
She continued to act in faith-based productions, including David E. Talbert’s musical, A Fool and His Money. Her work as an actress was a natural extension of her ministry, allowing her to tell stories of faith, redemption, and hope through a different medium. It proved that her ability to move an audience was not limited to her voice; it was a fundamental part of who she was.
A Life of Unimaginable Trials
Behind the powerful voice and the radiant smile, LaShun Pace carried a weight of grief and adversity that would have broken a lesser spirit. Her personal life was marked by a series of profound tragedies that tested her faith to its very core.
Her marriage to Edward Rhodes, a Georgia-based pastor, ended in divorce in 1993. As a single mother, she dedicated herself to raising her two daughters, Xenia and Aarion. However, the greatest trial of her life came in 2001, when her eldest daughter, Xenia, died suddenly at the age of just 11. Xenia, who had been the subject of bullying at school, died of a heart attack caused by an enlarged heart. The loss was devastating and sent LaShun into a deep depression.
The challenges did not end there. LaShun also fought cancer and struggled with severe weight issues. At one point, her esophagus ruptured, nearly causing her death. It was a period of immense suffering, a dark night of the soul for a woman who had dedicated her life to singing about the light.
Resurrection and Rebirth
But LaShun Pace was a fighter. She refused to let her tragedies define her. Miraculously, she regained her health and re-entered the gospel music industry with a renewed sense of purpose. The titles of her later solo albums seemed to chronicle her personal journey of recovery: It’s My Time (2005), Complete (2007), and Reborn (2011). These were not just album titles; they were declarations of victory. In 2017, she released God Sent Me Tyrone, an album on which she sounded physically and spiritually stronger than ever. Her life was a testament to the concept of resurrection—the ability to rise again, stronger and more determined than before.
A TikTok Revival and Lasting Legacy
In a beautiful twist of fate, just before her passing, LaShun Pace experienced a resurgence of popularity with a new generation. Her 1996 hit “Act Like You Know” became a viral sensation on TikTok. The song was embraced by a younger audience who were discovering her powerful voice for the first time. Her sister, Lydia, shared that LaShun was so excited about the trend that it inspired her to start working on another album.
Sadly, it was not to be. After being on dialysis for five years while awaiting a kidney transplant, LaShun Pace passed away from organ failure on March 21, 2022, at the age of 60. The gospel world lost a queen, a voice that had defined a generation and inspired countless others. Her legacy, however, is eternal. Through her music, her ministry, and her sheer resilience, she continues to inspire.
Net Worth and Income Sources
LaShun Pace’s estimated net worth at the time of her passing was between $1.5 million and $2.5 million. This wealth was built entirely within the gospel music industry, a testament to her staying power and the loyalty of her fanbase. Her income was derived from decades of gospel recordings, extensive touring, and her work as a minister.
It is important to note that the figure mentioned above is an industry estimate, as no verified financial disclosure exists in the public record. However, it is clear that LaShun Pace achieved a comfortable level of financial success without ever needing to compromise her artistic integrity or cross over into the secular pop world. Her story proves that it is possible to be both spiritually devoted and financially successful.
Social Media and Fan Interaction
In the years leading up to her death, LaShun Pace used social media to connect with her fans and spread her message of faith. Her official Instagram account, @OfficialLaShun, and her Twitter account, @OfficialLashun, were platforms where she shared updates, words of encouragement, and her music. The announcement of her passing was made via a post on her official Instagram account, a testament to how she used these digital tools to communicate directly with her community. Her daughter, Aarion, continues to honor her mother’s legacy by maintaining a presence on social media.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience and Purpose
LaShun Pace’s life was a powerful sermon, sung in a key that only she could reach. She was a woman who experienced the highest peaks of professional success and the lowest valleys of personal tragedy, and through it all, she never stopped singing. Her story is a profound reminder that our greatest trials do not have to be the end of our story. Like her music, her life was a testament to the power of resilience, the strength of faith, and the unshakeable belief that even in the darkest moments, there is a song waiting to be sung.
She leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond her impressive discography. She influenced a generation of gospel singers, proving that authenticity and raw talent will always triumph. As the world continues to discover and rediscover her music—whether through the timeless “I Know I’ve Been Changed” or the viral “Act Like You Know”—her spirit lives on. As LaShun Pace continues to pave the way for future generations of gospel artists, her story stands as a powerful reminder of how resilience and purpose can shape a meaningful legacy that echoes through eternity.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who was LaShun Pace?
LaShun Pace, born Tarrian LaShun Pace, was a Grammy-nominated American gospel singer, songwriter, and evangelist. She was a member of the legendary group The Anointed Pace Sisters and had a highly successful solo career. She was known for her powerful, soulful voice and hit songs like “I Know I’ve Been Changed” and “Act Like You Know”.
Q2: When and how did LaShun Pace die?
LaShun Pace passed away on March 21, 2022, at the age of 60. She died from organ failure after being on dialysis for five years while awaiting a kidney transplant.
Q3: What was LaShun Pace’s net worth?
At the time of her death, LaShun Pace’s net worth was estimated to be between $1.5 million and $2.5 million. Her income came from her decades-long career in gospel music, including album sales, touring, and ministry work.
Q4: Was LaShun Pace a member of The Anointed Pace Sisters?
Yes, she was a founding and key member of The Anointed Pace Sisters, a group formed with her eight sisters. The group was a major force in gospel music and earned both Stellar and Grammy Award nominations.
Q5: Did LaShun Pace have any children?
Yes, LaShun Pace had two daughters, Xenia Pace Rhodes and Aarion Pace Rhodes. Tragically, her eldest daughter, Xenia, passed away in 2001 at the age of 11.
Q6: Was LaShun Pace in any movies?
Yes, she co-starred as the Angel of Mercy in the 1992 Steve Martin film Leap of Faith. She also appeared in other faith-based stage productions.
Q7: What are some of LaShun Pace’s most famous songs?
Her signature songs include “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which was a hit from her debut album He Lives, and “Act Like You Know,” which became a viral sensation on TikTok decades after its release.
Q8: Was LaShun Pace married?
Yes, she was married to Edward Rhodes, a Georgia-based pastor, from 1988 until their divorce in 1993.
