The life of a talented and much-loved artist who was found dead in a park was celebrated at a service of remembrance today. Rachel Jackson, 38, from Didsbury, was described in touching tributes as a 'one of a kind' artist.
She vanished while visiting friends in Preston, Lancashire, on March 31 but was tragically found dead in the Avenham area of the city. An inquest which opened last week heard she is believed to have taken her own life.
Her mum, Jackie, who was wearing a rainbow suit, called at the service on her friends and family to 'take a little bit of her with you everywhere you go'.
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Mourners donned bright colours as they celebrated Rachel's life at the funeral service held at Lytham Crematorium. They entered the chapel to 'In Love' by Jenna G and heard that Rachel, the second of eight siblings, was born in Blackpool and went on to become a 'straight A student' and 'hugely talented artist', reports Lancs Live.
Rachel's sister, Sarah, stood up at the front of the chapel and read out a poem she had written following her death.
A GoFundMe page set up the day after Rachel was found has so far raised almost £10,000. The money will be donated to charities including Mind.
The service heard that Rachel, who worked as an artist under the name Jeffrie Jackson Art, was "wacky, crazy, creative and pure". She always dressed in rainbow colours and would throw glitter at "random passers-by".
Mum Jackie described how Rachel once ordered her to bring over a homeless person at a train station "for a dance".
Jackie, who was one of several who wore rainbow suits, urged those who attended the service to "take a bit of Rachel with you". "Rach would want you all to get out of your comfort zone," she said.
"My beautiful sister has only just gone three months ago. They are up there dancing around. Have that bit of Rach with you; get out of your comfort zone. Don't fit in with the norm because she certain as hell didn't. She isn't gone, she is with us all the time."
Those who gathered at the crematorium laughed as they heard details of Rachel's "far too short" life. She had been lucky enough to secure a scholarship at the private Arnold School in Blackpool where she excelled at physics and chess.
Although Rachel was "outgoing, bubbly and full of life" she often felt self-conscious. After leaving school she worked in various roles including as a carer and a bouncer - described as "ironic for such a small person".
Rachel "absolutely adored" her cat Jiggles and "benefited the lives of so many people".
Art was her passion and her "happy place". Her art was the heart and soul of who she was. Music then played as those who attended the funeral left the chapel of rest to head on to the Wainwright Club to continue to share memories of a "beautiful person inside and out".
Police have confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious.
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