Four white doves soared into the sunshine above the last resting place of Athena Orchard, the teenager whose bravery in dealing with terminal cancer touched the hearts of millions of people around the world.
Her parents Dean and Caroline released the birds watched by hundreds of family members and friends who themselves also released purple balloons into the sky.
Funeral celebrant Julie Wilson told mourners that millions worldwide had been touched by a 1,000-word message Athena had written on the back of her mirror shortly before she died.
As Athena was laid to rest in a lavender coffin in Gilroes cemetery, yesterday, her own words were read by Ms Wilson.
She said: "Every day is special, so make the most of it.
"Happiness depends upon ourselves. Maybe it's not about the happy ending, maybe it's about the story.
"The purpose of life is a life of purpose. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra."
Athena, of New Parks, Leicester, died aged 13, at home surrounded by her family on May 28 a few months after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
Her story went worldwide after featuring in the Leicester Mercury.
Hundreds of mourners gathered dressed in her favourite colour, lavender or purple, as the horse-drawn hearse arrived at the chapel preceded by her parents.
Ms Wilson told the mourners: "Athena was an inspiration, who had a strong understanding of right and wrong."
Athena, who was a keen amateur boxer with Unity Boxing Club, in Beaumont Leys, Leicester, was one of 10 siblings.
Ms Wilson said Athena grew up in a family that loved nature and enjoying each other's company including going swimming. She said Athena also helped to get the younger children ready for school and was loved by people who knew her.
She was good at school but had a keen sense of humour.
Athena told her mother that she accepted the cancer as she did not want either "the kids" to have it or her mother as the kids would need her.
Her older sister Ria said how much she would miss Athena and was so happy to have had her as a younger sister.
Special friend Clain Skeet told everyone how full of fun Athena was even when she undergoing treatment.
He said: "You are our guardian angel looking down on us."
During the service friends gathered around her coffin as the Beyonce song "I was Here" was played featuring the words: "I want to say I lived each day, until I died
"And know that I meant something in, somebody's life
The hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave
That I made a difference, and this world will see."
Her aunt Ann Stewart, who organised a fund to pay for the funeral, said Athena would be remembered as "our warrior princess."
Other music included "All of Me" by John Legend and her coffin was carried from the chapel to Explosions by Ellie Goulding.
Cousin Charlotte O'Byrne said: "I think what I will remember most is her courage. That is why so many came along to the funeral."
Mourners were invited to New Parks Social Club for refreshments.
To donate to the funeral fund, people can visit:
www.gofundme.com/9n20so
