Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
She was so loved and touched so many hearts
Tragic Taiyah Peebles will be remembered as a shining star who lit up any room she walked into.
With her mischievous sense of humour and love of life, the 16-year-old made friends easily and was fiercely loyal to those closest to her.
Such was her popularity that huge crowds have gathered daily at the scene of death, with the forecourt of Herne Bay railway station adorned with flowers and poignant tributes.
Further vigils have been held across the town, offering some comfort to Taiyah’s devastated mother, Hayley Peebles, her sisters Stacey, 30 and Delcie, 21, and brother Shai, 26.
Speaking for the first time at length about the tragedy, Mrs Peebles says the last words she exchanged with Taiyah were “I love you”.
“She was a bright, shining star who lit up any room when she walked in,” she added.
“She was beautiful and creative and it’s been a great comfort to us to know she was so loved, and touched so many hearts.”
Taiyah had just finished her GCSES at the Spires Academy in Sturry and was due to start an art and design course at Canterbury College in September.
“She was so happy and looking forward to starting her college course,” her mum said.
“Taiyah was interested in art from as soon as she could pick up crayons. The house was always full of her drawings.
“She just loved life and was a real bubbly character who had her own dress style and often drew clothes.
“She was always there for her friends if they needed her, which I think is why she had so many.”
Mrs Peebles recalls how Taiyah’s cheeky smile often got her out of trouble growing up.
“I think being the youngest of the children she was a bit spoiled and got away with more when she was naughty,” she said.
“She only had to look at me with her big brown eyes and give me a cheeky smile and all was forgiven.
“She was fun and mischievous, but also fiercely loyal and caring towards her friends.”
Taiyah had been a pupil at Margate’s Hartsdown Academy before transferring to the Spires.
The Sturry school’s principal Nikki Mattin wrote a card to the family following her death.
“When you think of Taiyah, you just have to smile,” she wrote. “Her sense of time that resulted in her always being late and her desire to wear the uniform according to her own style would often drive us crazy.
“But it was this independence, coupled with her sense of justice and strong friendships, that made her unique and such a valued part of our community.
“She was popular, loyal, creative and talented. She will be missed, but also fondly remembered by all that knew her.”
Taiyah’s family are now planning to give her a fitting send-off at her funeral in two weeks. Mrs Peebles is grateful to wellwishers who have already raised more than £1,400 to help cover the costs.
“We would like it if everyone could wear or carry something red, which was Taiyah’s favourite colour,” she added.
“We want to keep it as informal as we can, which is how she would have wanted it.
“She loved to party and was the life and soul, so we want it to be a celebration of her life.”
The funeral takes place at Thanet Crematorium at 10.45am on Thursday, August 17.