Funeral of Ipswich stabbing victim Courtney Mitchell held

Family and friends arrived at St Augustine's Church on September 11 to say goodbye to 26-year-old Courtney Mitchell.

Courtney died in Ipswich on August 6, three days before her 27th birthday, after being stabbed in Burrell Road.

Courtney's funeral was attended by plenty of people in baby blue (Image: Tom Cann)

Flowers arranged in one of the windows of the hearses (Image: Tom Cann)

On what would have been her 27th birthday, her family organised to pay tribute to her by releasing lanterns into the sky at Felixstowe seafront at the same time she was born.

Many people attended the event, honouring a "shining star."

Courtney Mitchell died three days before her 27th birthday. (Image: Suffolk Police)

Her family described her as a "beautiful daughter, granddaughter, mummy and sister".

Many people gathered at the church (Image: Tom Cann)

Many people gathered at the church (Image: Tom Cann)

Paying tribute to Courtney the family said: "Her contagious smile lit up any room and her laughter was the sweetest sound in our home.

"Her kindness had no limits, she was always there for everybody, family, friend or stranger.

"She was helpful in every way possible; her empathy knew no bounds. She was fun, fierce and extremely loyal."

The funeral was attended by many people who wished to say goodbye and pay their respects to the mum-of-three.

A number of people turned up wearing baby blue, Courtney's favourite colour, including members of her family who walked behind the coffin as she was transported to the church.

Arriving by horse and carriage, two hearses also followed displaying flower displays out the windows reading: "Daughter, Sister, Cousin, Courts."

Family and friends then lifted her coffin, carrying her into the church to the entry music of Oceans by Hillsong United.

Courtney passed away on August 6 (Image: Tom Cann)

This was followed by an opening prayer and some music, one of Courtney's favourite songs, Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush.

There was then tributes, readings and the Reverend Sarah Hall addressed the congregation.

She said: "The loss of Courtney has been devastating for the family, and we cannot imagine the pain her children, parents, siblings and wider family and friends are going through. 

Family and friends carrying Courtney into the church (Image: Tom Cann)

“We are honoured they have chosen this church to come together in their grief to celebrate her life. We will join together to hear of God's comfort for those who mourn.

“Courtney's life was cut tragically short. She loved her family and was loved by so many, as seen by the hundreds of people who have joined us to remember her today.

Some of the flower arrangements in the hearse window (Image: Tom Cann)

Some of the flower arrangements in the hearse window (Image: Tom Cann)

“As it says in Psalm 23, ‘Although we walk through difficult times, God is with us’.”

Let It All Go by Rhodes and Birdy was then played followed by The Lord's Prayer, a prayer of commendation and a closing prayer and blessing, with the ceremony finishing with Inner Smile by Texas being played.

The carriage that carried Courtney (Image: Tom Cann)