The Marvelettes Member Wanda Young Dead At 78: Was Her Tragic Cause of Death Health-Related?

Wanda Young, a former member of Motown's The Marvelettes, has died. She was 78.

Young's daughter, Meta Ventress, first confirmed the news to The New York Times (via Fox News), saying that the singer died on December 15 at her home in Garden City.

She revealed in the same statement that Wanda Young's cause of death was due to complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) occurs when a group of illnesses causes blockage and breathing/airflow-related problems. It remains unknown what type of COPD Young suffered from, but most patients face chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

"I told her constantly, 'All these people love you.' And she'd say, 'Wow.' She didn't wake up every day thinking of the Marvelettes, but she never lost that glamour," Ventress added.

Following the emergence of the news about her passing, her long-time fans and colleagues left heartfelt messages to the singer and remembered her contributions to the industry.

One said, "Wanda Young, singer in the Motown doo-wop girl group The Marvelettes, died earlier this month outside of Detroit. Starting off the morning with one less memory of my youth... RIP."

"RIP Wanda Young. Thank you for entertaining us. Thank you for Mr. Postman..." another added.

Meanwhile, the Motown Museum's official Facebook page honored the late singer for helping the group become the most successful projects Motown Records ever shared with the public.

Wanda Young's Legacy With The Marvelettes

Young and the other The Marvelettes member started their career when they were teenagers. It was when they released "Please Mr. Postman" for Motown Records head Berry Gordy in 1961 that they reached their first-ever hit song.

Following the success, Motown signed the group under its Tamla Label. According to Motown Museum, Young was joined by members Juanita Cowart, Katherina Anderson, Georgeanna Tillman, and Gladys Horton.

Aside from "Please Mr. Postman," the group also made follow-up hit songs that changed the music industry, as well. They release "Twistin' Postman," "Playboy," "Too Many Fish In The Sea," "The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game," and "Don't Mess with Bill," among others. Young spearheaded the latter song for the group.

Unfortunately, the group eventually disbanded in the 1970s. Still, Young recorded under another label before collaborating with Horton for their 1990s album, "The Marvelettes: Now!"