‘Our world was a better place with you in it': Loved ones celebrate life of Jaidyn Rice as hundreds attend funeral

Belfast Telegraph

4 days ago

St Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Bangor was illuminated in pink, as the coffin and many mourners were adorned in Jaidyn Rice's favourite colour.
Hundreds of funeral goers filled the Clandeboye Road hall for the teen's funeral on Wednesday to hear the deep connections she had formed with those around her and the 'big plans' her future held.
The 16-year-old was struck by a car on the West Circular Road of Bangor on July 8 and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The sermon saw a host of relatives, friends and volunteer groups with which she spent her time, such as the DICE project and Army Cadet Force (ACF), who all extended personal stories and tributes.
Speaking first was Jaidyn's mum, Elaine Clarke, who stood side by side with her son, Kenley, and partner, Christopher.
'I've written you so many messages and notes and cards and letters over the years, but never did I ever think I'd ever be writing you anything under these circumstances,' Elaine said.
'I can't put into words how much I miss you. I miss our TikTok streaks. I miss our karaoke. I will miss seeing your face on Christmas morning and celebrating your birthdays.
'I miss your hugs and kisses and you telling me that you love me. I miss every single little thing about you, Jaidyn. I could stand here forever and list a billion things that I miss and it still wouldn't cover everything.'
'You wrote me a poem once for Mother's Day and in it you said the other half of your heart will always belong to me. Maybe that couldn't be more true. You have half of my heart with you.
'The 16 years I spent with you is the most treasured, precious memories I will hold close to my heart forever. I wish I had more time with you. You would have been the most beautiful bride ever and the best mummy the world has ever seen.'
Jaidyn's brother Kenley (12) spoke of the deep bond they shared and the support his sister gave him.
'Jaidyn was like glitter,' he said. 'She always shined hope and happiness into everybody who met her. And no matter what happened, she'd always be there. I remember all the time at my cheer competitions, just before awards, everyone goes up and dances and she was always up on the floor, dancing it out to the max with me. I will miss that — and the time she stood up for me and held me when I cried.'
The Co Down girl's passing was not only a loss to her family, but also to the volunteer groups she devoted much of her time to.
Louise Little, from the DICE project, described how they had 'big plans' for her in the charity, as 'when others turned away, she stepped forward' and 'listened when others didn't or couldn't'.
The youth programme worked with young people aged between 10 and 16 in Bangor.
'People were drawn to her strength,' Ms Little added. 'Her gentleness and her fierce sense of right and wrong.
'We had absolute faith in her ability and potential. She was someone who was going to be looked up to someone we trusted and someone who was already making a difference.'
Poppy Andrews, who spoke on behalf of Jaidyn's friends, explained how the pair made many memories that she will 'cherish forever', and she shared a moment which brought warm laughter to the hall.
'My favourite memory of all time is when she was phoning the Chinese to order our dinner and she accidentally said 'love you' at the end of the phone call,' Poppy said.
She added: 'You'll never be forgotten. I love you unconditionally. I can't even put my love for you into words.
'I'll miss our calls and just sitting in our room, or sitting in my room in silence as we watched TikTok, but it meant the world, just having your company. I hope Heaven knows what a wonderful girl they've gained.'
Addressing those gathered, Reverend Ian McKee said: 'None of us could have foreseen this scenario that we'd be gathered together today to pay our last respects to Jaidyn Rice, who everyone loved deeply and adored absolutely. Her untimely death has devastated the family circle and shocked the whole community right to the core.
'Jaidyn was a beautiful, very special young lady. She loved, apparently, the colour pink, hence her pink Bible and the pink coffin. I'm told if she could have had her way, she would have dyed her pet hamster pink too.'
Jaidyn's boyfriend, Ethan McClerg, also spoke at the service alongside Poppy and recalled the huge role she played in his life.
He shared how the two acquired a hamster, which they agreed to have 'joint custody' of, naming it Jabba.
'One of my favourite memories of Jaidyn was how she wanted a friend of mine who had a fake ID to, not buy alcohol, not run anywhere, but to run into Pets at Home and get a hamster,' Ethan recalled.
He added: 'She wasn't just my girlfriend. And despite how I'd never admitted it to her, she was my best friend, my life, my safe place.
'She was a person who could make me laugh even on my worst days, who made life feel fuller, more beautiful, and added a little more colour. She was one of a kind.'
Jaidyn's grandmother told the congregation how, from a young age, her granddaughter's 'caring side was so clear to see'.
Judith Rice said: 'I have never forgotten how privileged I was to be the first to hold you, as I held you close to mummy's face. Mummy's eyes and smile were so full of love, and how could they not be? From that day, you have brought us so much joy and love.
'Our world was a better place with you in it. As you grew, you taught us how to be grandparents. One look with those eyes and your wee face, and you had us every time.'
Staff Sergeant Instructor Andrew Grey from the ACF explained that Ms Rice 'embodied the core values and standards' of the Army Cadet Force.
He said: 'She was always in the middle of everything that was happening, guiding young cadets through their first night, quick to help when someone was having difficulties. She was my go-to cadet when we needed something done.'
Concluding the tributes was Nicola Wilson, the principal of Jaidyn's school, Priory College, where, she told mourners, the Bangor teen 'inspired all around her'.
The service ended with Ms Rice's favourite song, In The Stars by Benson Boone, being played, as well as a final hymn, before she was brought to her final resting place.