Bertha Barbee McNeal's Cause of Death: Motown's Velvelettes Co-Founder Dead At 82

Bertha Barbee McNeal, the co-founder of the Motown group The Velvelettes, has died. She was 82.

Motown Museum's official Instagram page confirmed McNeal's passing Sunday through a heartfelt post that also honored her career and legacy. It sent its condolences to her family, friends and fans.

"She was a faithful supporter of the Motown Museum and participated in many museum events including Hitsville Honors in 2019 and the grand opening of Rocket Plaza this past August," the post read. "Her kind and sweet presence was always a delight and she was loved by the museum staff and alumni alike."

Detroit News reported that the music icon had colon cancer. The advanced status of her cancer led her to stay in hospice care in the weeks leading to her death.

In a statement to the outlet, Velvelettes lead singer Cal Gill Street called McNeal an "angel" and her "dearest friend." They had known each other since 1961 and had teamed up to launch the singing group at Western Michigan University.

According to the American Cancer Society, 4% of women — one in 25 — receive a colon cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Colon cancer starts in the colon's cells, and its symptoms include blood in one's stool, cramping, bloating, unexplained weight loss and fatigue.

Before McNeal's death, the Kalamazoo Arts Council gave her and Street Community Medal of Arts awards to recognize their contributions to the industry. Only the lead singer was able to personally accept the award.

Still, McNeal was able to perform with the girl group at Arcadia Creek in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in July.

McNeal had decades' worth of experience in music as she was part of The Barbees, a family singing group she formed with her cousin Norma. She showed off her skills with them when they recorded the single, "Que Pasa," in 1957.

McNeal and her friends later joined a singing competition in hopes of winning the $25 prize. Luckily, they won and even caught the attention of Robert Bullock, Esther Gordy Edwards' son. He suggested they audition in Detroit, and McNeal eventually bumped into the then-chief of A&R for Motown, Mickey Stevenson.

Soon after signing them, the girls released the record-breaking single, "Needle in a Haystack." It nabbed the No. 45 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964. They also recorded and released the hit tracks "That's the Reason Why" with Stevie Wonder, "There He Goes" and "He Was Really Saying Something."

McNeal is survived by her son Marty, daughter Melva, granddaughter Cydni Payton and grandson Spencer Payton.

The late artist's family is yet to confirm her funeral details.