Back in 1969, two sisters who grew up singing in their father’s church decided to make a career out of singing. June and Bonnie Pointer began performing together. Shortly thereafter, their sister, Anita Pointer, joined them, making the duet a trio. It wasn’t long before the group that became known as The Pointer Sisters became a quartet when their sister Ruth started performing with them as well. Some of The Pointer Sisters’ biggest hits were “Jump,” “I’m So Excited,” and “Fire.”
Now, there comes some sad news. Anita Pointer has died at the age of 74. The cause of death, according to her publicist, Roger Neal, was cancer. She was at her home in Beverly Hills with her family when she took her last breath.
Ruth is now the only living member of the Pointer Sisters. June and Bonnie previously passed away. Anita’s daughter Jada also died in 2003. After Jada’s death, Anita took responsibility for raising Jada’s daughter, her granddaughter.
In a statement released by Anita’s family, the family explains, “While we are deeply saddened by the loss of Anita, we are comforted in knowing she is now with her daughter Jada and her sisters June & Bonnie and at peace. She was the one that kept all of us close and together for so long. Her love of our family will live on in each of us.”
The Pointer Sisters won three Grammy awards and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994.
Besides her sister Ruth, Anita is also survived by her brothers Fritz and Aaron, and her granddaughter Roxie McKain Pointer.