Tyler Perry, Lenny Kravitz, Bill and Hillary Clinton attend private Cicely Tyson memorial

Hundreds of admirers of Hollywood icon Cicely Tyson, who died Jan. 28 at the age of 96, got a chance to say goodbye to her this week at the church where she worshiped in New York.

Tyler Perry and Bill and Hillary Clinton were among the attendees of a private memorial service Tyson Tuesday at Harlem’s famed Abyssinian Baptist Church.

Abyssinian Baptist’s pastor, Rev. Calvin O. Butts, said afterwards that Tyson was an example of “a life well lived and an example of how we all might live,” adding, “She was as much an ambassador for peace and love as anybody I can think of.”

Also in attendance for the nearly three-hour service were gospel singer Bebe Winans and Valerie Simpson of the duo Ashford & Simpson. Winans sang “Stand” — a request from Tyson before her death – and rocker Lenny Kravitz, a close friend, read a letter.

Tyson's family held a public viewing of the award-winning actress and trailblazing role model at the historic Harlem church on Monday.

The family said COVID-19 protocols would be in place at the walk-by event, with masks and social distancing required. Photographs were not permitted, but that didn't stop many in the multigenerational crowd from holding their own photos of Tyson.

Some said they had come from as far as Atlanta or Los Angeles to be there.

Tyson's long and illustrious acting career included three Emmys, a Tony award, an Oscar nomination for 1972's "Sounder" and an honorary Academy Award bestowed 45 years later. Her memoir, "Just As I Am," was released just before her death.

Groundbreaking talent: Legendary actress Cicely Tyson, who trailblazed in TV and film for more than seven decades, dies at 96

Tyson's death elicited sadness and appreciation from her many fans, including famous artists and public figures. Such luminaries as Viola Davis, Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey and Kravitz lovingly praised Tyson on social media as they mourned her.

Loving remembrance: Cicely Tyson dies at 96: Lenny Kravitz, Oprah, Viola Davis and more mourn 'greatest to ever do it'

Tyson, who was born in Harlem on Dec. 19, 1924, began her acting career on the New York stage before later taking roles in television and film.

Abyssinian Baptist Church was founded in 1808 and is one of the oldest African American Baptist churches in the nation and the first in New York state, the church's website says. In a video posted on the church's YouTube channel, Tyson can be seen speaking there on International Women's Day in 2018.

Contributing: Andrea Mandell, The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cicely Tyson memorial: Tyler Perry, Clintons pay respects at service