Bertha Barbee McNeal dead at 82 - The Velvelettes singer & Motown icon dies after cancer battle as b

MOTOWN legend Bertha Barbee McNeal has died after battling colon cancer.

The music star, who was part of the hit group The Velvelettes, passed away in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Thursday.

McNeal, 82, had been in a hospice for several weeks after her colon cancer had advanced.

She last performed with The Velvelettes in Kalamazoo in July.

Lead singer Cal Gill Street told the Detroit Press that McNeal was an “angel”.

She told the outlet: “I've lost my dearest friend. Bertie was a precious lady.

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"I never heard any profanity, I never heard her speak ill of anybody, even if she was upset.

“She would get beyond that, like an angel here on earth. In the group, she was the glue that kept us from choking.”

The Motown Museum said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Motown alumnus Ms. Bertha Barbee-McNeal, a founding member of the Motown group The Velvelettes."

Fans have paid tribute to McNeal following her death.

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One said: "Thankful for her contributions to the Motown sound and family. Loved their music. May God rest her soul!

"Condolences to the family and closest friends."

Another commented: "The Velvelettes were one of the most underrated groups at Motown. They had some awesome songs!"

And, a third said: "That’s a shame, RIP! I was just playing “Needle In A Haystack” a couple of years ago."

The Velvelettes were best known for their hit track "Needle in a Haystack" which reached number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100.

They were also behind the 1963 track There He Goes and the 1965 hit He Was Really Sayin' Something.

The British hit group Bananarama covered their track "He was Really Sayin' Something" in 1983.

McNeal is survived by her daughter, son, granddaughter, and grandson.

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