Grandmother Vyleen White allegedly murdered by teen is farewelled in call for crime-fighting change

Murdered Queensland grandmother Vyleen White would have given the clothes off her own back to someone in need and never sought praise for helping the ‘lost and lonely’.

Victor White, centre, is supported by mourners at his wife’s funeral. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA Newswire

Murdered Queensland grandmother Vyleen White would have given the clothes off her own back to someone in need and never sought praise for helping the “lost and lonely”, her funeral service on Thursday was told.

It is what makes her death even more difficult for her grieving family to come to grips with.

Ms White, 70, was allegedly stabbed in the chest in front of her six-year-old granddaughter in the underground car park of her local shops last month, allegedly by a teenager on bail who was intent on stealing her car.

Hundreds of her loved ones gathered at the Riverlife Baptist Church, on Brisbane’s western fringe, to farewell Ms White and celebrate her compassion, selflessness and devotion to family and God.

Cindy Micallef, one of Ms White’s three daughters who has been calling on the state Labor government to toughen its approach to youth crime, said her mother’s death would not be in vain.

Daughter Cindy Micallef speaks during the service. Picture: Liam Kidston

“This is a catalyst for change in our lives, in our communities, in our nation,” she said.

“Mum’s legacy will live on and we are not going to let it go; we will 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 these changes made,” Ms Micallef said, “because this is how we want Mum remembered – by the legacy of change, not the legacy of death.”

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli joined mourners at the two-hour service, along with police who had attended the crime scene, family and friends.

Vyleen White. Source: family.

Pallbearers at the funeral for Vyleen White. Picture: Liam Kidston

Ms Micallef said her mother, a religious instruction teacher, had enjoyed playing cards, gardening, going for walks and spending time with her family.

“Everyone was always welcome and made to feel loved,” Ms Micallef said.

“She always made sure we were included and no one was left out.

“Nothing can ever replace her but we love her with all our hearts.

“She’s affected not just us but generations of children in our family.”

One friend who spoke at her memorial service said that Ms White cared deeply about “governmental issues” and would often pray for politicians.

“She would be proud of her family pushing for that change even more now,” the friend said.

A 16-year-old boy, who can’t be named for legal reasons, has been charged with Ms White’s ­murder.