JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A well-known Gospel artist in the Jackson area died during a house fire early Tuesday morning.

The fire occurred at a home on Newport Street on Tuesday, December 3.

According to Pastor P.J. Williams, J.B. Mance, 97, was a member and the oldest deacon of Cornerstone M.B. Church in Jackson. The pastor said Williams is survived by his daughter, Dorothy Moore, who is a Grammy-nominated Gospel singer.

“I want people to remember that legend and how he went around the country singing and praying and all of the things he done in the gospel field,” said Williams.

Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Armon said 50-percent of Mance’s home was damaged during the fire and that most of the damage was in the front room. No other injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.