Adoring fans brought flowers and photographs to honor Cicely Tyson at her public viewing at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem on Monday. Some even sang a hymn in her honor while waiting to go inside.  

"She was such a beautiful icon,” said Zenobia Dewley of Harlem. “She paved the way for so many African-American actresses. She’s going to be truly missed. She was such an inspiration so I just wanted to sing a little bit of ‘Amazing Grace’ for her.”

What You Need To Know

  • Former model and star of stage and screen Cicely Tyson died in January at age 96. Tyson' public viewing in Harlem brought countless fans who lined up around the block to say goodby

  • Tyson grew up in the neighborhood and later helped found the Dance Theatre of Harlem

  • Many who came say they grew up watching Tyson in groundbreaking roles, including the film Sounder, the TV movie The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
  • Tyson inspired many performers of color and during her seven-decade career

Despite the cold, fans waited patiently on a line that stretched more than a block outside the church for the public viewing. 

"It was important for me to be here to honor the late Cicely Tyson,” said Reverend Dr. Marcia Smith. “She did a wonderful job. Her lifetime. She left a body of work in the acting arena in humanities and civil rights community.”

Cornel Sims came from the Bronx with flowers and a card in hand to honor her. 

"I am here for the beloved, our immortal queen Cicely Tyson, to show my love and respect. It’s a beautiful day. It’s cold, but look, I’m here. I don’t care. We’re just out here having a beautiful time," said Sims.

The great actress died late last month at the age of 96. Tyson was born and raised in Harlem, as were many who turned out for the viewing. They recalled watching her in the film Sounder, the TV movie The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, and so many other groundbreaking roles. Tyson’s acting career spanned seven decades and her performances inspired many, but to some, the roles she turned down also mattered.

Sister and brother Janie and Kevin Nesbitt were both fans and agreed that was what set her apart. 

"She always took positive roles. Those positive roles meant a lot," said Jane. 

"She always took roles that spoke to our history and character and pride," added Kevin.

That meant the actor and former model shunned roles that perpetuated negative stereotypes or demeaned Black people.

Her fans say that quiet dignity is another reason to turn out and say thank you.