Urban World

Farewell Amy Winehouse

URBANWORLD'S Osworld brings you exclusive pictures of Amy Winehouse's funeral, which took place on Tuesday 26^th July 2011

Addressing all of Winehouse’s well-wishers, her father described her as the "greatest daughter" as he was joined by relatives and her close friends to say their final goodbyes.

In his eulogy, Mitch Winehouse told mourners the singer "conquered" her drug dependency three years ago, was "trying hard to deal with her drinking", and was happier than she had been for a long time.

He also revealed plans to set up a foundation in his daughter's name to help people struggling with addiction.

Among those at the service at Edgewarebury Cemetery, which included prayers in English and Hebrew, were her mother Janis, brother Alex and her boyfriend Reg Traviss.

Also there were stylist Alex Foden, who has been credited with creating Winehouse's trademark beehive hair-do, producer Mark Ronson and singer Kelly Osbourne.

Winehouse was then cremated at Golders Green Crematorium, according to the Back To Black singer's wishes.

At the cemetery, her father said she had recently "just completed three weeks of abstinence" adding that she told him: "Dad I've had enough of drinking, I can't stand the look on your and the family's faces anymore."

He said: "Amy was the greatest daughter, family member and friend you could ever have.

"Recently Amy found love with Reg (Traviss). He helped her with her problems and Amy was looking forward to their future together. She was the happiest she has been for years."

Her father told mourners that the night before, she was in her room playing drums and singing and then her security guard said she should "keep it quiet" as it was late.

He said the guard went to check on her in the morning and thought she was asleep.

He then said the guard went back a few hours later and realised she was not breathing and called for help - but she was pronounced dead at the scene by medics.

Mitch Winehouse added: "But knowing she wasn't depressed, knowing she passed away, knowing she passed away happy, it makes us all feel better."

He ended with the words: "Goodnight, my angel, sleep tight. Mummy and Daddy love you ever so much."

And the service finished with the congregation singing her favourite song, Carole King's hit So Far Away.

A spokesman for the family said he understood Winehouse's ashes would be placed next to those of her grandmother, Cynthia, who was a jazz singer and a great influence on Amy and her music.

However, ex-husband, Blake Fielder-Civil, was not allowed to attend after he was refused compassionate leave from jail. He is currently serving a 32-month prison sentence in Armley near Leeds after being convicted of burglary and firearm offences.

By JANELLE OSWALD