The husband of a grandmother who was allegedly stabbed in an underground shopping center car park has laid his wife to rest in heartbreaking scenes.
Victor White broke down in tears as hundreds of mourners gathered to say goodbye to Vyleen White, 70, at Riverside Baptist Church near Seventeen Mile Rocks in Brisbane’s south-west on Thursday.
Her coffin was decorated with roses and gerberas, while a portrait of the beloved grandmother was placed in front of the coffin during the service.
Mr. White was comforted by loved ones in emotional scenes outside the church as relatives placed Mrs. White’s casket in a waiting hearse.
Ms White was stabbed by a teenager in an Aldi car park at Redbank Plains Town Square on February 3, shortly after 6pm.
Victor White (pictured) broke down in tears during his wife’s funeral service in Brisbane on Thursday
Victor White (pictured) was comforted by loved ones outside the church
Hundreds of mourners gathered at the funeral service Thursday to say goodbye to Vyleen White
The 70-year-old was reportedly murdered in front of her six-year-old granddaughter.
She was at the stores buying snacks for a Bible study session later that evening.
Despite allegedly handing her alleged attackers her car keys, Ms White was fatally stabbed and the alleged group fled in her stolen car.
During the funeral service, many of Mrs. White’s relatives fell to the floor of the church as they mourned the loss of the beloved grandmother.
Mrs. White’s daughter Cindy Micallef gave a moving eulogy.
“There will never be enough words to adequately describe Mom. “She showed us unconditional love and was always there no matter the circumstances,” she said.
“My mother loved her family dearly and not one was left out of her prayers.”
Mrs Micallef said her mother had been actively participating in various church and community groups for more than 30 years.
“Before Mom ever learned to pray, she herself was an answer to prayer. Her mother had prayed for a little girl with red hair. My mother was then born on June 9, 1953.’
“Mum was a real character at times, doing Donald Duck impressions, laughing at funny animal videos, carrying the kids on her back and laughing at the little bird that went crazy when he had a bath.”
Vyleen White (pictured) died after allegedly being stabbed in an underground car park at Redbank Plains Town Square in Brisbane’s south-west
Mrs. White’s daughter Cindy Micallef (pictured) delivered a powerful eulogy
There were emotional scenes outside the church as mourners said goodbye to the beloved grandmother (pictured) before she was laid to rest
Ms Micallef said her family had been left devastated by her mother’s death.
“Nothing can ever replace her, but we love her with all our hearts.”
“She has not only affected us, but generations of children in our family.”
She added that her family will continue to fight for justice and campaign against the Queensland Government to make changes to ensure the safety of the community.
“We want to move forward and my mother’s legacy will continue and we will not lose hope,” Ms Micallef said.
“We’re going to make sure we get justice for mom and nothing will stop us until that happens.”
Ms Micallef said she wanted her mother to be remembered as someone who adored her family and helped so many people.
Ms Micallef (pictured comforted by a loved one) said her family would continue to fight for justice after her mother’s death
Relatives carried Mrs White’s coffin (pictured) before placing it in a waiting hearse
Mrs White’s coffin (pictured) was decorated with roses and gerberas and a portrait of the beloved grandmother rested in front of it
Friends and family shared many heartfelt stories about Mrs. White and the love and compassion she showed others.
“I am grateful to have met you and I ask God to take care of you and it is a unique expression of love,” said a friend.
“She loved unconditionally, was an encourager and always brought hope, comfort and healing to those around her.”
Mrs. White’s grandchildren, who also took the stage at the funeral service, struggled to hold back tears as they also shared memories of their grandmother.
Another woman, who was also Mrs. White’s friend, praised her passion and recalled how her faith guided her actions throughout her life.
“She could quote the text with ease, she knew the Bible from beginning to end because she never missed it,” she said.
“She practiced what she preached. She was a woman of integrity, she was passionate about her family, she loved them dearly.
Family and friends who addressed the funeral service (pictured) remembered Mrs White as a compassionate person who always encouraged others
There were emotional scenes outside the church after Mrs White’s funeral service as friends and family consoled each other (pictured)
Ms Micallef (pictured) said she wanted her mother to be remembered for the impact she had on the lives of others
Some members gathered at the funeral service (pictured) fell to the ground as they mourned the loss of their beloved grandmother
Friends of Mrs White who was laid to rest (pictured) also recalled how her Christian faith guided her actions throughout her life
Members of the Queensland Police Service attended the funeral, as did Opposition Leader David Crisafulli.
There were emotional scenes outside the church as dozens of relatives said goodbye to Mrs White before she was laid to rest.
Five teenage boys have been arrested – three 16-year-olds and two 15-year-olds over the grandmother’s death.
One teen was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and denied bail.
Their cases remain in the courts.