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Lillian Davidson farewelled at emotional Cherbourg funeral service

The shock death of a sassy 18-year-old with an infectious laugh, a competitive spirit and an unwavering love for her family has devastated the South Burnett and all who knew and loved her.

Lillian Davidson, 18, tragically died from suicide on Saturday, June 28.
Lillian Davidson, 18, tragically died from suicide on Saturday, June 28.

A “beautiful young lady” who had an infectious laugh, a competitive spirit and an unwavering love for her family, Lillian Davidson was remembered by all who knew her for her vibrant spirit and cheeky smile.

Lillian Davidson, 18, tragically died from suicide on Saturday, June 28.

Her funeral notice, published by Generation Funerals, said:

“In Loving Memory of Lillian Agnes Raylene Faye Davidson.

“Precious daughter of Lorraine and William, adored sister, proud aunty, loving nan, and a true friend to many.

“Lillian’s vibrant spirit, cheeky smile, and generous heart will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.”

Dozens of people lined up to say goodbye to the teenager one last time at the AIM Church in Cherbourg on Friday, July 18.

Friends and family supported each other while powerful ballads, like Celine Dion’s Goodbye (the saddest word) played in the background during the viewing.

Almost everyone was wearing blue or purple, with many mourners dressed in a commemorative shirt bearing butterflies and Lillian’s photo.

Lily had a passion for life, and loved sharing the new and exciting things that happened to her with her family.
Lily had a passion for life, and loved sharing the new and exciting things that happened to her with her family.

Bowman Davidson Junior delivered the eulogy.

Lillian has a big family with many brothers and sisters, but she had a “special bond” with her sisters.

None more so than her baby sister, Tiana, who she was like a “little mother” to.

“When Tiana was born, Lily was deeply in love and cherished that baby sister like a little mother,” Mr Davidson said.

“She absolutely adored Tiana and did everything she could for the for her baby sister.”

As a young girl, she had a cheeky spirit and a love for life, and she loved going to daycare and learning new things.

Lillian had gone through a tough time during her teenage years, and had spent several years under the care of Child Safety and living away from her family in Cherbourg.

During this time, she continued showing resilience and strength, making new friends along the way and forming bonds with her care family.

She had a passion for life, and loved sharing the new and exciting things that happened to her with her family.

When she got her first job at the Toowoomba Red Rooster, she couldn’t wait to show off her uniform to those back home.

She regularly kept in touch with them, and made time for everyone.

Lillian Davidson was outgoing, strong and had a competitive spirit, something which was particularly evident when she was on the field playing for the Cherbourg Hornets.
Lillian Davidson was outgoing, strong and had a competitive spirit, something which was particularly evident when she was on the field playing for the Cherbourg Hornets.

The teenager was outgoing, strong and had a competitive spirit, something which was particularly evident when she was on the field playing for the Cherbourg Hornets.

She loved sport, and had a passion for NRL and a love for the Redcliffe Dolphins.

Her ‘Nan’ fondly recalled some of the antics Lillian would get up to when she was living with her, like taking her car for a joy ride and somehow leaving her new vacuum cleaner smoking after trying to clean the carpets.

She said she was loved her for who she was and thanked “Lilly Pilly’s” mum, Lorraine, for allowing her to be a part of her life.

Her old Sunday school teacher said he remembered Lillian’s passion for life and had memories of her dancing around the hall.

Once everyone who wished to speak had shared their tributes, a memorial video was played.

A slideshow of photos and short videos commemorated Lillian’s life, set to a soundtrack of moving ballads like Dancing in the Sky by Dani and Lizzy and How Do I Say Goodbye by Dean Lewis.

Hundreds of people reacted to the news of Lillian’s death on social media, sharing their memories of her and passing on their condolences.
Hundreds of people reacted to the news of Lillian’s death on social media, sharing their memories of her and passing on their condolences.

Hundreds of people reacted to the news of Lillian’s death on social media, sharing their memories of her and passing on their condolences.

Lillian’s uncle, Tyrone Murray, shared his grief on social media and said he was left heartbroken after her death.

The Emerge Youth and Cafe from Toowoomba said Lillian was “troubled but tough, sassy but sparkling, and beautiful beyond words.”

Cody Robinson from New Leaf Social Work said she had known the “feisty little firecracker for years”, and that she was so proud of everything she had achieved.

She was remembered as a strong, brave and intelligent girl, who had plans for the future and a loving and caring nature.

Lillian Davidson was laid to rest at Cherbourg Cemetery in a coffin decorated with photos of herself and her loved ones, painted light blue with white clouds.

Originally published as Lillian Davidson farewelled at emotional Cherbourg funeral service

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/south-burnett/lillian-davidson-remembered-by-devastated-cherbourg-community/news-story/c0ffb246cd2ef51997854c65ff1a915f