Family and friends remember Safiya Stewart, who tragically died suddenly, with a celebration of her life

Published: 08:01, 07 July 2015

A celebration of life for a teenager who tragically died suddenly is being held tomorrow.

Safiya Stewart, 18, a student at MidKent College, was found unconscious at her home on St Mary’s Island on Saturday, May 23.

Her mum Carol went into her room to wake her, but found her unresponsive. Safiya had epilepsy and it is thought a seizure may have led to her death.

Safiya Stewart tragically died at her home in St Mary's Island

Friends and family will be marking her life with a procession beginning at the Ship & Trades pub on St Mary’s Island. Anybody who knew Safiya or knows Carol is welcome to join them.

It will reach the St George’s Centre in Pembroke Road, Chatham, at 11am where there will be a service.

The only request is for people to avoid wearing black.

Carol said: “Safiya was a young and colourful person so we want to reflect that. The service will be quite uplifting too.”

Safiya Stewart with anti-racism campaigners

There will be musical performances and she will then be laid to rest at Woodlands Cemetery.

Afterwards, a reception is being held at the Britannia Theatre in Leviathan Way, Chatham Maritime.

Carol added: “The family of Safiya Mae Alucia Stewart would like to thank everyone for their prayers, visits and messages of support during this time.”

Nicknamed ‘Miss Flawless’ Safiya was a driven and kind person. She was passionate about cooking and dreamed of opening her own restaurant. She had part-time jobs at Sainsbury’s and McLeod’s Restaurant & Bistro in the Gillingham college.

She also loved to dance with her troupe Urban Steps, who will be performing at the reception, but still made time to give back to the community.

The teen set up Young People United (YPU), alongside the Medway African Caribbean Association of which her mother is the chairwoman. It unites and celebrates cultural diversity and promotes opportunities for young people.