More than 800 people paid their final respects to a Bonteheuwel mom who was bludgeoned to death with a vibracrete slab, allegedly by her boyfriend.
Mourners packed the Church of Resurrection in Bonteheuwel where the funeral service of Jill-Paula Fernandez, 49, was held.
Photographs of Jill flashed on a large screen while family members stood around her coffin before it was carried to the front of the church.
Jill, who worked as a childminder at an adoption centre, died on 22 December.
Prosecutors wish to prove that Jill’s boyfriend, Patrick Hendricks, 49, beat her to death in Candlewood Street, Bonteheuwel, after an argument.
Sadly, this was the same spot where her 25-year-old son was killed during a shooting three years ago.
Jill was rushed to hospital, but was declared dead on arrival.
MIRED IN GRIEF: Lizzie Fernandez, Jill’s mother, is seated far right with other mourners during the viewing
Hendricks has made his first appearance in court and will be back in the dock on 30 January.
Yesterday, Jill’s brother, Kurt Fernandez, 45, expressed the family’s shock once again: “The church is full, there are about 800 people here today and this is a reflection of the type of person Jill was.
“Jill was a spontaneous person, she was always jolly.
“Everyone knew her and you can see this at the church today.
“This is so unfair what happened, we are devastated by what happened.”
Ward councillor Angus McKenzie said Jill’s death is a painful reminder of the ongoing abuse of women in communities.
“This brutal murder highlights the huge problem of violence against women and children which in most cases goes ignored due to the lack of faith in policing resources and also a horrible culture of silence that exists in our communities,” he said.
“This sad passing has galvanised the Bonteheuwel people hopefully to speak up and against violence against women and children.
“Nothing warrants lifting your hand to a woman, absolutely nothing. Walking away remains the only option; real men walk away and women stay away.
“We can only overcome this behaviour by working together and supporting each other by encouraging those affected to speak up and against it.
“Jill Fernandez will leave a legacy, a legacy of enough is enough and that abuse against women and children will stop.”