August 31st 2001 - Aaliyah’s Final Journey.
Friday August 31, 2001 a white casket with the body of Aaliyah was taken from Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home in Manhattan and placed in a glass carriage drawned by white horses and adorned on top with white and pink roses towards St. Ignatius Loyola Church in New York City. It was followed by the stars family and close friends, including her fiancé and Damon Dash, and one of her “Romeo Must Die” co-stars, Delroy Lindo to St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Manhattan.When the procession reached the church Jay-Z, P. Diddy, Busta Rhymes, Mya, Monica, Lil Kim, Usher, Mike Tyson, Gladys Knight (Aaliyah’s Aunt), Timbaland, Missy Elliott and many other celebs were among the mourners.While on the streets thousands of fans screamed I love you, and cried, as the horse drawn carriage passed by.
Fans expressed their grief in losing such a talented artist, and their sympathy and prayers for the family and friends of Aaliyah.Some fans said that this tragic event had opened their eyes to the harsh reality, that tomorrow is not promised to no one.
"[I came] because of Aaliyah's spirit," said Walter Green, who was in the crowd that walked four blocks from the funeral home to the funeral on Manhattan's Upper East Side. "I met her twice, she's the most wonderful person. She touched so many people worldwide."
"She touched my life the way no other did," said Karolyn Parchment, who was joined by her teenage daughter Natasha. "I listened to her songs. They were positive. She was a role model and I wanted [my daughter] to look up to her."
They have started to call loved ones and thank them, along with showing their love.Twenty-two doves were released at the end of the private service at the church.
The first dove being released by the star’s Mother and than twenty-one more, to signify each year of the star’s life.She may be gone, but she will live on, in hearts all over the world.
With this tragedy has come the realization that never go to bed angry at a love one, never forget to say I love you and that life is too short to live it as if their will be a tomorrow.
{last two GIF's credit Aaliyah Always}