Man turns up at friend’s funeral dressed as the Grim Reaper
'He just stood at the back of the church like a big presence and he didn't speak, completely in character.'
A gran was granted her dying wish after the ‘Grim Reaper’ turned up at her funeral.
Sharon Taffs, 68, had been discussing her funeral arrangements with her daughter Louise Miller, 49, and family friend Kenny Rossington, 59.
When Kenny joked that he would come dressed as death personified, Ms Taffs, from Maldon, Essex, agreed and made him promise he would.
The grandmother-of-twelve died on December 7 last year from breast cancer, and her funeral was held on March 16 with Kenny dressed as the Grim Reaper.
Guests to the funeral had been made aware beforehand and a few decided not to attend.
Louise said her mum thought it was a ‘hilarious idea’ and it was the perfect send-off for someone with her humour.
Louise, who works at a turkey farm, said: ‘Kenny has always been a close family friend – I’ve known him for 25 years.
‘He visited my mum six months before she died while we were discussing the funeral plans and how everyone should wear white.
‘Kenny said “Can I come as the Grim Reaper?” and she thought it was a hilarious idea, making us promise that he would actually do it.’
Ms Taff’s funeral was held at her local church and she was involved in every step of the process before she passed away.
She had already had a private cremation but told her family she wanted her ashes to be ‘front and centre’ of the funeral.
Kenny followed through on his promise and arrived dressed in costume – complete with a scythe.
Louise said: ‘He just stood at the back of the church like a big presence and he didn’t speak, completely in character.
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‘I did have to tell him not to point at people which he had joked about with mum – saying “You’re next”.
‘You couldn’t miss him as he was the only one dressed in black.’
Guests to the funeral were told to wear white as part of the celebration of Ms Taff’s life, another detail she requested.
Louise said most people at the funeral enjoyed the joke and many were disappointed when Kenny took the outfit off afterwards at the wake.
Ms Taffs was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2022 and was moved into Farleigh Hospice, in Chelmsford, two weeks before her death.
Louise added: ‘I used to drain her lung and it would be lovely – that one-on-one time together talking, even if it was just about Emmerdale.
‘She was a keen seamstress and travelling to Egypt was her passion, she went there ten times.
‘We even got matching tattoos while away together – that’s the kind of person she was.
‘She was unique and so talented and her funeral let us celebrate her life.
‘All I can say is thank you to everyone who wore white and didn’t walk out because the Grim Reaper was there.’
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