Vyleen White funeral: Daughter’s heartbreaking words as hundreds farewell shopping centre stabbing victim
Hundreds of people have gathered to remember stabbing victim Vyleen White in an emotional funeral service, with her daughter describing her as having “unconditional love” for everyone, saying her mother’s death won’t be in vain.
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Hundreds of people have gathered to remember Vyleen White in an emotional funeral service with loved ones describing her as having “unconditional love” for everyone.
Vyleen White was fatally stabbed in an alleged carjacking at the start of February at Redbank Plains Shopping Centre in front of onlookers.
Her daughter Cindy Micallef delivered a heartbreaking eulogy at the ceremony at Riverlife Baptist Church on Thursday.
“There will never be enough words to adequately describe mum. She showed us unconditional love and was always there no matter the circumstances,” Ms Micallef said.
“Before mum ever learned to pray, she herself was an answer to prayer. Her mother had prayed for a little girl with red hair. Mum was then born on the 9th of June 1953.
“Mum loved her family dearly and there wasn’t a single one left out of her prayers.”
Ms Micallef said her mother was involved in many different church and community outreaches for more than 30 years.
“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 little bird going crazy when he had a bath,” she said.
“She enjoyed playing cards, gardening and going for walks and always looked forward to family get-togethers.
“Everyone was always welcome and made to feel loved, she always made sure we were included and no one was left out.
“Without mum’s love, support and prayers, I wouldn’t be alive and here with you today.”
Outside the church hundreds gathered as the coffin went into the car including several police members and Opposition leader David Crisafulli.
Family members collapsed on the floor as they grieved their dearly loved grandmother.
Ms Micallef says the family will not give up hope that they will get justice.
In the closing statement at the funeral, Ms Micallef said they would continue to push the government for change.
“We don’t want mum to be remembered for how she went but we want her to be remembered of the legacy of her life and the effects she’s had on us not just as family as loved ones and the fact Queensland and Australia has been touched, and internationally,” she said.
“It’s the case that this is a catalyst for change in our lives, in our communities, in our nation.
“We want to move forward and mum’s legacy will move on and we are not going to lose hope.
“We are going to make sure we get justice for mum and nothing will stop us until that happens.
“We appreciate your support in our movement of getting things done and getting changes made because this is how we want mum to remember the legacy of change.”
Ms Micallef said her mother’s death would not be in vain.
“We are taking this to the next level, not just back level but we are going up,” she said.
Pastor Joel Shaw said Ms White was extremely cared for in the community.
“This is a situation that is particularly special because I know that there’s actually a nation that is behind Vyleen that is mourning her loss,” he said.
“ I honestly believe that there’s a movement for reform and lives that will continue to be impacted because of this beautiful woman’s life and her death.”
A close friend of Ms White delivered a heartfelt eulogy, breaking down midway with Ms Micallef taking to the stage to comfort her.
She said Ms White loved her family and prayed for everyone while doing volunteer work.
“When I say a prayer, it’s like telling someone I spoke to God about you,” she said.
“I’m grateful that I met you and I’m asking God to take care of you and it’s a unique expression of love.
“That cannot be replicated with material things. People who pray for others are truly special.
“One of the most beautiful gifts in the world is the gift of Vyleen’s love and encouragement.
“She loved unconditionally and was an encourager and was always bringing hope and comfort and healing to those around her.
“She was compassionate. She was giving of her time and she was very generous.”
The friend said she now could not do a bunch of things with Ms White as planned.
During the funeral, multiple songs were played including 10 thousand Angels, Your Grace is Perfect Tonight, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Amazing Grace and You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Ms White’s grandchildren took to the stage to share memories of their grandmother and what they had lost, breaking down in tears.
Towards the end of the funeral, the crowd were invited to share some stories about Ms White.
One member of the crowd took to the stage to talk about how generous Ms White was helping people in need “anonymously because she didn’t want pats on the back”.
The woman said Ms White was incredibly passionate and when she felt passionate she got noisy.
“Firstly, she was passionate about God and was so proud of being a Christian.
“She could quote the scripture with ease, she knew the bible back to front because it was never out of her hand.
“She practised what she preached. She was a woman of integrity, she was passionate about her family, she loved them dearly.
“She was generous with her time. Her door was always open, she always had a listening ear over many cups of coffee. She never made you feel like you’re a burden.
The woman said Ms White was very passionate about governmental issues.
“She cares and she wanted change, she would be proud of her family pushing for that change even more now,” she said.
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