A God-fearing woman whose smile lit up the rooms she entered, a person who dearly loved her family, a servant leader who uplifted others, and the best at making roast potatoes.
These were just some of the tributes and fond memories shared by friends and loved ones of Cheryl Ann Kannemeyer, 61, during her funeral service on Friday.
Tears flowed freely as close to 1000 mourners packed the hall at Father's House Church in Deal Party to bid the well-known and respected property agent a final farewell.
Cheryl was brutally murdered at her Beetlestone Road home, allegedly at the hands of her husband, Colin "Junior" Kannemeyer, 57, just two days after Christmas.
Rochelle Wessels, a close friend who had spent Christmas Day with Cheryl, recalled how this last Christmas had been better than the many others they had spent together in the past.
According to Wessels, Cheryl had exuded a sense of complete peace and calmness, and the roast potatoes that she was a master at making tasted even better than ever.
"We were all grateful to have this experience together, not knowing it would be so short-lived.
"It has provided us with a sense of peace in dealing with her untimely death.
Wessels said Cheryl had undergone an amazing metamorphosis over the last few months and likened this growth to her (Cheryl) turning into a "gorgeous butterfly."
"She pursued her goals and dreams fearlessly with a remarkable energy and a zest for life," Wessels said.
Cheryl's children, Dexter, Jodi, and Blake, described their mother as their pillar of strength and someone who loved them unconditionally.
"Thank you for showing me what unconditional love is and what it means to be strong, compassionate, and kind.
"There is not a day that goes by that I do not feel the ache of your absence.
"The void you left is immeasurable, and my heart longs for the warmth of your presence, said Dexter, battling to bite back tears.
His sister, Jodi, said her mother's love was the driving force that shaped her into the person that she is today.
Cheryl, according to Jodi, filled the family home with warmth and love.
"It pains me to think about all the milestones in my life that are to come, knowing that you will not be by my side... but I know that you are in heaven watching over me," she said.
According to an initial police report, Cheryl sustained multiple stab wounds to her chest and a laceration to her throat.
She also had a rope around her neck.
Also read: Gqeberha man abandons bid for bail following wife's murder
Junior has been charged with his wife's murder at the Gqeberha Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.
He has not yet pleaded and has abandoned his bid for bail.
The matter was postponed to 20 February.
