The grandfather of Merseyside gunshot victim Elle Edwards urged those present at her burial to continue living with “hope.”
On Christmas Eve, a shooter opened fire at the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey Village, killing the 26-year-old.
She was a simple bystander and not the intended target, according to the authorities.
Ms. Edwards’ grandfather George wanted everyone to “leave with hope in their hearts,” according to the rector of St. Nicholas Church.
Reverend Jeff Staples stated, “George hit the mark.” We must be people of optimism for ourselves and the communities in which we reside.”
Ms. Edwards, a beautician, was described as having “laughed and joked and cherished” life.
“Many of you, if not all, will be experiencing a wide range of feelings, including sadness and grief, anger, fear, worry, shock, and confusion,” he stated.
“We are emotionally in a state of haze in which nothing feels solid or stable.
Elle Edwards, urges people to maintain optimism
“We don’t know whether to laugh or cry, yell or remain silent, therefore we must discover stillness, calmness, and tranquility.”
During the service, the hymn Be Still for the Presence of the Lord was sung. And the eulogy Remembering Elle was delivered.
In her memory, mourners were invited to donate to the Elle Edwards Foundation.
Tim, her father, expressed hope last week that a charity foundation may prevent gun violence in the community.
As Elle’s funeral cortege entered the church grounds, mourners lined the streets ceased all vehicular movement, and sank into a state of stillness.
The church, which is within a five-minute walk from the Lighthouse tavern, formerly provided support meetings for those directly touched by the murder.
Today, the structure once more became the focal point of a community still attempting to make sense of recent events.
The message contained encouragement and praise for all who attempted to save Elle and assist her family.
As the hundreds of mourners departed, they embraced one other and Elle’s family members who were waiting in the churchyard, carrying this message with them.
Her father stood tall and thanked everybody who had gathered to bid his daughter farewell.
The rain hid the tears on a day that the Wirral community will never forget.
Mr. Staples stated, “How true that is; if we lose hope, the darkness of evil has won.”
“As Tim [Elle’s father] stated, the events of Christmas Eve continue to affect a great number of individuals.
“We were all touched by the darkness of wickedness, yet even in the deepest darkness, the light of hope shines in the goodness of those who acted to try to save Elle; she was not left to the darkness.”
Respectfully, the Lighthouse pub was closed before.
A message on the pub’s Facebook page read, “Elle and her family have been in our thoughts for the past many weeks, and much more so at this time. She may rest in peace.
Connor Chapman, 22 years old, has been charged with the murder of Ms. Edwards. And his trial is scheduled for 7 June.
After his daughter’s passing, Mr. Edwards described her as “the most beautiful and brilliant star.”
