Founding Member Of Motown’s The Supremes Has Passed Away

Mary Wilson, a founding member of Detroit's Supremes passed away suddenly. Wilson's publicist says the Motown singer, who was 76, passed away in her sleep.

Wilson, who grew up in Detroit and went on to become a member of the Supremes, along with Diana Ross and Florence Ballard. They were known as the "sweethearts of Motown."

Check out CNN for more on Mary Wilson's life.

This all female group came to Motown in the early 1960s and went on to record an amazing 12 number one hits for the Detroit label.

Not only was Mary Wilson a member a ground breaking group, but she went on to have an amazing career after the Supremes.  Wilson authored several books including her memoir "Dreamgirls: My Life as a Supreme."  In 2003 Wilson was named a U.S. cultural ambassador and spent years talking to teens and young adults about the dangers of HIV and AIDS, and also encouraged world peace.

Ms. Wilson began her career in Detroit back in 1959 as a member of the 'Primettes' who then went on to become the Supremes.  Publicist Jay Swartz said that Wilson was a "trendsetter who broke down social, racial, and gender barriers."

The Supremes were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Little Richard back in 1988, where he called the group "the greatest" and said that "there's never been anything like them."

Mary Wilson continued to keep herself active in the entertainment world and even was a contestant on "Dancing With The Stars" back in 2018.

Wilson's family has said the funeral service will be a private one due to COVID - 19 restrictions, but they do plan to hold a celebration of her life later this year. The family also asked fans to support the United Negro College Fund and the Humpty Dumpty Institute, which helps in landmine clearance around the world.