MEMBERS of the Romany community from all over the country joined friends and family to pay tribute to a mother-of-three who lost her battle against cancer.

As mourners said a tearful farewell to 50-year-old Lorraine Stephenson, her hometown of Bedale in North Yorkshire was brought to a standstill.

The cortege, led by four black horses and a gilded carriage, carrying her gold casket, made its way up the high street followed by four silver Rolls-Royce Phantoms and four flatbed vans laden with flowers.

Vicar of Bedale, Reverend Ian Robinson, who led the service in St Gregory’s Church, told the 350 mourners he had had many requests for prayers for Lorraine during her illness, and it was only when her son Tyrone came to see him after she had passed away that he realised who she was.

“That was when I knew this was the woman we had been praying for who was so precious to so many people and who had been part of so many lives,” he said.

“Her life was dominated by her commitment to her family, her friends and neighbours. She loved life, and loved travelling and visiting members of the family, but she always wanted to come back to Bedale."

Paying tribute, close friend Henry Ward added: ”She was devoted to her family and she gave her life to Jesus, but Lorraine pulled no punches, she always had a million questions.

"As things got worse she got stronger, she worried about everyone else. She always encouraged her children, she idolised them and was the best friend you could have.”

The congregation was asked during the service to reflect on Lorraine’s life while listening to Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men’s One Sweet Day.

Her casket was carried out to Boyz II Men’s Mama, with the poignant lyrics “you were always there to comfort me and no one else can be what you have been”.

Daughter Charlene King, said her mother was very well-known and well-respected.

She said: “She was so kind-hearted and loving, she had time for everybody. She was bubbly and very friendly. She was the heart of our family and she was the queen of our hearts.

“She was the best mother a child could ever, ever wish for. She had a heart of gold. She would give her last to anybody and she always had a smile.”

Donations were collected in lieu of Herriot Hospice Homecare.