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LAID TO REST: Sarah Reed

SARAH REED was a “vibrant, intelligent and funny woman” to all who knew her, her mother said at an intimate funeral service for the 32-year-old today (Feb 8).

Delivering a moving tribute to her “amazing” daughter, Marilyn Reed said her life “will never be the same” after Sarah was found dead in her cell at Holloway Prison on January 11.

“Thank you for allowing us to have you in our lives for a season, you will always be remembered in our hearts forever,” she said.

Supported by Reed’s teenage daughter, the pair fought through tears to tell of a woman with a big heart.

“She often attracted people who sometimes took advantage of her good nature, but if ever she discovered them she would be swift to rebuke them but forgive also, this was one of her weaknesses – suffering fools gladly,” Marilyn went on.

As members of Reed’s family took to the stand to deliver their personal testimonies, their words told of a “warrior” woman who loved of hip-hop music and was always the life of the party.

Sharing his fondest memories of their childhood and time growing up in Yorkshire, her brother Anthony Reed, who delivered the Eulogy, said it was “one of the hardest things I believe I’ve ever had to do”.

“She would have been overwhelmed at all the beautiful flowers, most of all she would have been overwhelmed by all the love of her family and friends in this room today that are here to celebrate her life,” he said. “Sarah was not only beautiful on the outside, she was a beautiful soul, she also saw the beauty in others around her.”

Detailing the difficulties that his sister faced, Anthony said the loss her baby daughter served as the catalyst that forever changed her.

FINAL JOURNEY: Sarah's casket is taken to the burial ground [PIC CREDIT: Ade Onibada]

He explained: “In 2003, Sarah had a second beautiful daughter and for the first few months lived in absolute bliss with her two children and partner. Unfortunately life would deal my sister a cruel blow that she would never recover from and that was the loss of her second child after only six months of life. My sister soldiered on.”

He continued: “To the outside world she put on a brave face but actually in reality she had internalised her grief. She spent the next 12 years of her life facing many ups and down. In good times she always brightened up the room she entered with her big smile and infectious laugh.”

Overwhelmed with emotion a devastated Anthony was joined by family who consoled him as he gathered himself to the complete his eulogy.

“I am a better person today because she was part of my life. I am honoured to be her brother,” he finished.

The service, which was held at Church of God Prophecy in southeast London, was presided over by Reed’s cousin Pastor Sean Roye.

INTIMATE CEREMONY: Mourners leave Church of God of Prophecy in southeast London