Chloe Mitchell had ‘a warm and generous heart’, funeral told
The death of the 21-year-old sent shockwaves through Ballymena town
A large crowd, who gathered for the funeral service of murder victim Chloe Mitchell, has heard how her death has left a void in the hearts of her loved ones.
The death of the 21-year-old in Ballymena earlier this month sent shockwaves through the town.
People gathered today (Thursday) to watch her funeral on a big screen in King George’s Park, the same place a vigil was held in her memory a couple of week ago.
Just a short distance from her home the park was adorned with pink ribbons, pink balloons, and pictures of Ms Mitchell.
Rev Eddie Chestnutt, minister of Harryville Presbyterian Church, conducted the funeral service in Ms Mitchell's family home.
He described a "community in shock".
He said: "The loss of their vivacious 21-year-old daughter is a blow that George and Georgina and their family will struggle to recover from, but they are deeply grateful to all who have helped them in any way.
"Chloe's sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her."
Rev Chestnutt said Ms Mitchell's parents remember her as a "shy girl before maturing into a beautiful young woman".
He added: "Chloe blossomed into a young adult who had a warm and generous heart, she developed into a forgiving and trusting person, someone who was able to speak her own mind.
"She adored young children, and she was adored by young children. She was a favourite of all the nephews and nieces in the family. Chloe could often be found in the park with a gang of small children organising activities for their amusement... playing football, arranging obstacle courses, blowing bubbles, all for the delight of a crowd of small children.
"Chloe was much loved by her devoted parents and by her siblings."
Following the funeral service, a piper led a procession of mourners carrying the coffin towards Ballee Cemetery.
Ms Mitchell was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of June 3 in Ballymena.
A huge search operation took place following her disappearance.
Detectives launched a murder inquiry after suspected human remains were found on June 11, and earlier this week police confirmed they were those of Ms Mitchell.
Two men have appeared in court on charges connected to her death.
Brandon John Rainey, 26, from James Street in Ballymena, is charged with murder and Ryan Johnston Gordon, 34, from Nursery Close, Ballymena, is charged with assisting an offender.
A vigil was held in the Harryville area of Ballymena for 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell
Chloe Mitchell's brother Philip (centre) attended the a vigil in Ballymena.
A huge crowd turned out to remember 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell in Ballymena
People gathered to show their support for Chloe Mitchell's family in friends at a vigil in Ballymena
The funeral of murder victim Chloe Mitchell was held in Harryville, Ballymena.
Mourners watched a broadcast of the service on a large screen in King George's park.
Pictures, flowers and balloons were placed in King George's park in memory of the murdered 21-year-old.
A large crowd gathered to watch the funeral service of Chloe Mitchell in King Gegore's Park in Ballymena.
Chloe Mitchell's funeral service was streamed on a big screen in a park close to her family home.
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