One of Sheppey’s oldest residents will be laid to rest on Tuesday after passing away just two days before her 101st birthday.

Lily Fairman had enjoyed good health right up to a week before her death and had been transferred from her daughter’s home in Warden to Medway Maritime Hospital.

A native of south London, she came to the Island in 1981, and made her home with daughter Evelyn Torry, at Knoll Way, Warden, four years ago.

She quickly became involved in community life serving both as church warden and treasurer at St Clement’s Church, Leysdown, before it was demolished.

She was also an active member of Warden and Leysdown WI and the Jubilee Club where she was affectionately known as 'Little Lil’.

Mrs Torry said: “Mother was fortunate to have enjoyed a full life and her 100th birthday had been spent with the family around her.

“We were anticipating celebrating her 101st together but it was not to be.”

The funeral will be held at the Garden of England Crematorium, Bobbing. Donations are to be made to Eastchurch Church Parochial Council for the new roof fund.