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| ©Priscilla Etienne Funeography® |
A sad day for us all at Custom House, 30th January 2022, the day our friend Tilly died. We all wanted to share the health battle Tilly went through. The whole community was rooting for her, supporting her children, her sisters, and her parents in the only way that we know. Some of the shops along Prince Regents Lane asked after her, some asking if she needed anything, but all wanting her to continue fighting. That's how she was, always ready to fight for what she believed in, for injustice anywhere she saw it. My last visit to her home about 3 months before her death was a tonic. This family did not need a pandemic to be reminded of how important and precious they are to each other.
Fast forward to around 3 months later, 4 March 2022. I saw the bottom of Colman Road E16 awash with Tilly's family, friends, and neighbours, braving the cold to see her leave her home for the last time. As I walked among the crowds, greeting many of them I was looking for the best positions to start shooting. 'When the feathers are in sight'. That's what I asked one of the mourners to look out for as I continued to shoot the perfect sight of her grandchildren playing among the sadness, slightly excited that they were dressed up for their nans special day. I ran back to position to see the beautiful white horses in their majestic purple plumes. The colour purple adorned all those with whom Tilly was close and had a special bond.
All the familiar faces from the area over the last 4 decades of my life are all struggling with the thought of letting Tilly go. The moment had come, and the first group of female pallbearers began getting into position as the coffin stands were placed in front of them. The only thing missing was a red carpet, reflecting her superstar personality as she was carried out by some of her nearest and dearest. Some of the local men from Tollgate Road were drinking cans of beer, an unexpected sight at a funeral but their way of a final toast for her. I don't believe Tilly would have had it any other way, she would not have expected them to change their 'way' on her account. 'Take us as you find us, or don't take us at all.' A no-nonsense attitude from a no-nonsense woman.
There are big holes in the many places Tilly left behind, Why? because she was a lady with a big personality and her funeral reflected the big love we all had for her.
I dedicate this blog to all the strong women from Custom House who left us before her and to the strong women still there.
