The photo was reportedly taken during the family's private viewing time at the Whigham Funeral Home in New Jersey, where she was laid to rest on Sunday.
According to the New York Daily News, the photo shows Houston's body lying in a half-opened bronze casket, wearing a purple dress, $500,000 worth of jewels and gold slippers.
Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton and singer Ciara posted comments on Twitter, calling the photos tasteless and crude.
Houston died last Saturday in her hotel room at the Beverly Hilton hotel on the eve of the Grammys at the age of 48. A cause of death has yet to be determined pending toxicology reports.
Her death marked the end of a life that was marked by stunning career achievements and a public battle with drugs.
