A final farewell marked by white horses, a pink coffin and the release of doves has been held for a woman fatally stabbed at a city centre bus stop.
Family and friends gathered on Monday, March 2, for the funeral of Katie Fox, 34, who died after being attacked on Smallbrook Queensway in Birmingham on November 7.
The service took place at Buckfast Abbey and began at 2pm. White horses, dressed as unicorns, pulled a carriage carrying Katie’s pink coffin.
During the hour-long church service, a special song written in Katie’s memory was played. The song, A Bird in Flight, was written by Maria’s best friend, Ellen Underwood.
Three members of Katie’s family stood to give speeches during the proceedings. Incense and holy water were sprayed onto the coffin. Doves were also released at her graveside.
The 63-year-old added that Katie would be buried in Devon because it was where the family loved to be and had been planning to move. She said that when the family moves south they will be close to Katie.
A special memorial service will also be held on Thursday, May 1 at Bournville Parish Church in Birmingham for those who could not attend Monday’s service.
In a tribute released previously, Katie’s family described her as a “shining light in our lives”.
They said: “Gone to soon Dear Katie, so beautiful and kind.
“A part of us was snatched away on that very fateful night, a part of us also vanished suddenly, when you passed away, leaving us all with such sadness and heartache.
“You were a shining light in our lives, you were so special in every way, you were everything a daughter could be and much more.
“Your loss to us has been so hard to bear and so hard to comprehend, but we know that you are still with us and giving us the strength in every way. You are, our guardian angel.
“God bless you Katie, our special and gentle daughter.
“Thank you to all, who have showed support during this most difficult time.
“Thank you also to the paramedics, police, and ITU at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for their professionalism and companionship.
“God bless Katie, forever in our hearts.”
Djeison Rafael, 21, has been charged with Katie’s murder. Rafael, of Rosedale Avenue, Smethwick, is also charged with two counts of causing actual bodily harm on October 27 and November 7, possession of a Stanley blade, and assaulting a detention escort officer.
He has been remanded in custody and his trial date has been set for Monday, May 5.
