The husband of a grandmother allegedly stabbed in a shopping center underground car park has buried his wife 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 southwest on Thursday.
Her coffin was adorned with roses and gerberas and 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 family members placed Mrs. White’s coffin inside a waiting hearse.
Ms White was allegedly stabbed by a teenager in an Aldi parking lot in Redbank Plains Town Square on February 3, shortly after 6 p.m.
Victor White (pictured) broke down in tears at his wife’s funeral in Brisbane on Thursday.
Victor White (pictured) was comforted by loved ones outside the church
Hundreds of mourners gathered at Thursday’s funeral to say goodbye to Vyleen White.
The 70-year-old woman was allegedly murdered in front of her six-year-old granddaughter.
She was at the stores to buy snacks for a Bible study session later that night.
Despite handing her car keys to her alleged attackers, Ms White was fatally stabbed and the alleged group fled in her stolen car.
During the funeral, many of Mrs. White’s relatives collapsed on the church floor as they mourned the loss of their beloved grandmother.
Mrs. White’s daughter, Cindy Micallef, delivered a moving eulogy.
‘There will never be enough words to adequately describe Mom. She showed us unconditional love and she was always there no matter the circumstances,” she said.
“Mom loved her family very much and not a single one was left out of her prayers.”
Micallef said his mother was active in various church and community groups for more than 30 years.
‘Before Mom learned to pray, she herself was an answer to prayer. Her mother had prayed for a red-haired girl. Mom was then born on June 9, 1953.
“Mom was sometimes a real character, doing Donald Duck impressions, laughing at funny animal videos, carrying the kids on her back, and laughing at the little bird that went crazy while taking a bath.”
Vyleen White (pictured) died after she was allegedly stabbed in an underground car park at a shopping center in Redbank Plains Town Square in Brisbane’s southwest.
Mrs. White’s daughter, Cindy Micallef (pictured), delivered a powerful eulogy
There were emotional scenes outside the church as mourners bid farewell to the beloved grandmother (pictured) before she was laid to rest.
Micallef said his family was devastated by his mother’s death.
“Nothing can ever replace her, but we love her with all our hearts.”
“It has not only affected us, but generations of children in our family.”
He added that his family will continue to fight for justice and campaign with the Queensland Government to implement 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,” Micallef said.
“We are going to make sure justice is done for mom and nothing will stop us until that happens.”
Micallef said she wanted her mother to be remembered as a person who adored her family and helped so many people.
Ms Micallef (pictured being comforted by a loved one) said her family would continue to fight for justice following her mother’s death.
Relatives carried Mrs White’s coffin (pictured) before placing it in a waiting hearse.
Mrs White’s coffin (pictured) was adorned with roses and gerberas and in front of it rested a portrait of the beloved grandmother.
Friends and family shared many heartfelt stories of Mrs. White and the love and compassion she showed to 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, fought back tears as they shared memories of their grandmother.
Another woman who was also a friend of Mrs. White praised her passion and recalled how her faith guided her actions throughout her life.
“He could quote Scripture with ease, he knew the Bible inside out because it was never out of his reach,” he said.
‘She practiced what she preached. She was a woman of integrity, passionate about her family, she loved them dearly.
Family and friends who addressed the funeral (pictured) remembered Mrs White as a compassionate person who always encouraged others.
There were emotional scenes outside the church after Mrs White’s funeral as friends and family comforted each other (pictured).
Micallef (pictured) said she wanted her mother to be remembered for the impact she had on the lives of others.
Some of the members who gathered at the funeral (pictured) collapsed 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.
The funeral was attended by members of the Queensland Police, as was state opposition leader David Crisafulli.
Outside the church there were emotional scenes as dozens of family members said goodbye to Mrs White before she was laid to rest.
Five teenagers were arrested for the death of their grandmother: three 16 years old and two 15 years old.
A teenager was charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and denied bail.
Their matters remain before the courts.