Large crowds lined a Wiltshire High Street to say their goodbyes to a teenager who was “loved by everyone.”
The funeral of Toya Jefferies, who died in a car crash near Bushton on August 29, was held in Royal Wootton Bassett on Tuesday, October 1.
Toya’s family has previously praised the community for the way they have come together to support them, and this was on show once again.
Crowds of people dressed in blue, which was Toya’s favourite colour, lined the length of the High Street while the funeral procession for the 16-year-old took place.
Toya was taken from her family home to St Bartholomew’s Church, where the service was held at around noon, via a horse-drawn carriage.
Many observed this emotional journey in silence to pay their respects, while some brought flowers and other tributes to the procession as the community bid goodbye to the popular teenager.
READ MORE: Parents' message to community after daughter killed in fatal crash
Blue ribbons were also tied around trees on the High Street in memory of Toya.
Over £9,000 was donated via a GoFundMe to help “give Toya the goodbye she deserves.”
Her mum Tracy told the Adver the family was grateful for the support of the community during the day and thanked those who came out to pay their respects and helped organise the sendoff.
She also thanked people diverted off the High Street during the procession for their understanding.
Toya has been remembered as a loving daughter to Wayne and Tracy, sister to Nichole, Leon and Amber, and Auntie to Robyn-Marie and Maiya-Ivy, as well as a “beautiful granddaughter, niece, and friend to so many.”
Her family described her as “a little firecracker who touched everyone’s hearts.”
“The only way to describe Toya is a little firecracker who touched everyone’s hearts. She was loved by everyone she met and she will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
“With the tragic circumstances we can see how much Toya was loved and how she has brought our community together.”
Ahead of the funeral, the family announced donations in memory of Toya would be collected on the day and will be split between Headways and CAMHS.
Donations can also be sent c/o Johnson & Daltrey Funeral Services, at 112 High Street in Royal Wootton Bassett.
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