Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Bubbly Taiyah, 16, dreamed of being a fashion designer
The cheeky smile and uplifting spirit of a Canterbury schoolgirl tragically killed on railway tracks was remembered during a colourful celebration of her life.
Hundreds of friends joined the family of Taiyah Peebles on Friday to say a final farewell to the popular 16-yearold, who was found dead near Herne Bay railway station last month.
Many wore red – Taiyah’s favourite colour – and clutched roses as they packed Thanet crematorium, with at least 100 listening to the 90-minute service outside because of the sheer number of mourners.
They hugged tearfully as Taiyah’s coffin, adorned with images of her with family and friends, was taken into the chapel to Bruno Mars’s Talking to the Moon.
Celebrant Angela Howe told the congregation how “selfie queen” Taiyah dreamed of being a famous fashion designer in Paris or New York, and was due to start an art and design course at Canterbury College next month.
Mum Hayley described her as the “baby of the family” and said her death had “left a wound that would never heal” for her and Taiyah’s sisters Stacey and Delcie and brother Shai.
Recalling Taiyah’s younger years, she said in a tribute read by Mrs Howe: “Her eyes twinkled when she smiled, and her laughter filled everyone’s heart with joy. She was simply adorable.”
Eldest sister Stacey said: “I still remember the day mum brought her home from the hospital, such a tiny bundle, with long bandy arms and legs. I instantly fell in love with her, and from that day on she came everywhere with me.”
Between the many tributes, some of Taiyah’s favourites songs were played, including Footprints in the Sand by Leona Lewis and Ron Pope’s A Drop in the Ocean, which she sang regularly with Delcie.
“No matter how down I was, her cheeky little smile, and crazy self would just lift me right up,” Delcie said, describing Taiyah as “the funniest person I ever met”.
Boyfriend Adam said: “It was in Taiyah’s nature to make sure everyone else was OK and happy before thinking about herself, which is why she had such a loving and caring character. She had a very lively and bubbly personality, and she lit up every room she walked into.”
Friend Leah had recently enjoyed a holiday in Spain with Taiyah.
“Whenever I needed her, day or night, she would be there, she would be there to remind me that there are much worse things in life.
“And now I know she was right, because this is the worst thing in life, having to say goodbye to such a wonderful young girl who had so much living left to do.”
Taiyah’s body was discovered on the railway line on the morning of Wednesday, July 26. It is thought she had been electrocuted.
At the funeral, Taiyah’s mum urged her many friends to stay safe and not to cause their parents any “needless worries”.
“What happened was a tragic accident, and sadly accidents are part of daily life,” Mrs Howe said. “Hayley knew that she couldn’t keep Tai wrapped in cotton wool, she needed to be free to enjoy life, and she did enjoy life to the full.”
The service ended to the sound of Grace, by Jeff Buckley, with Hayley releasing a white dove over the crematorium.
Coaches put on for the family by Lehane Travel then took mourners to Taiyah’s former school, the Spires Academy, which had opened its doors for a wake.
On display was artwork by Taiyah, as well as a slide show of pictures of her over the years and tributes which had been recovered from the station following the tragedy.
Friends were also invite to write individual messages in memory of her.
British Transport Police has handed its investigation findings to the coroner’s office and an inquest into Taiyah’s death is expected to take place in October.