One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson supported by Liam Payne at mum Johannah Deakin’s funeral
LOUIS Tomlinson paid his final respects to his late mother Johannah Deakin at a private funeral service last week.
The singer was joined by close friends and family in his hometown of Doncaster on December 21 for the service.
The wake was held at the Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Restaurant in Barnby Moor, Retford.
The hotel had a strong security presence as the family mourned their loss.
Louis’ former band mate Liam Payne
The One Direction star's mum, 43, died at the start of December following a long battle with leukaemia.
A statement released by her family read: "It is with immeasurable sadness that Johannah Deakin’s family said goodbye to Johannah in the early hours of Wednesday 7th December 2016.
"Earlier this year Johannah was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukaemia that required immediate and continuous treatment.
"We respectfully request that the family are given time and space to grieve in private."
As well as Louis she leaves behind six other children, Lottie, 18, Felicite, 16, twins Daisy and Phoebe, both 12, and twins Ernest and Doris, both aged two, who she gave birth to prematurely in 2014.
Her husband Dan said in a statement: “Johannah was first and foremost a truly amazing mother to seven children – Louis (24), Lottie (18), Félicité (16), and two sets of twins, Phoebe and Daisy (12) and Ernest and Doris (2) - whose individual talents and success are testament to the principles and beliefs she instilled in them.
"She was also an incredibly proud grandmother to Freddie.
“Incredibly selfless, she would always look to put other people before herself. She desired nothing more than for everyone around her to be happy and loving.
"She worked tirelessly on numerous charity campaigns, creating memories for many individuals and their families.
"It wasn't uncommon for Johannah to hear through the media of an individual in need of assistance, and she would immediately make it her objective to get that person what they often desperately needed, and rarely without success.
Related stories
"These are the things that made Johannah happy and content in life, and all of which for me made her simply the perfect wife and best friend to face each day with.
"I thoroughly loved walking through life with her, and though five years was far too short a time, during that time we had so many lifetimes worth of happiness, adventures, and memories.
“We would like to send our sincere thanks to Professor Steve Mackinnon and his team at University College London Hospital where Johannah was hospitalised since May.
"And during the last few weeks Professor John Snowden and his colleagues at Royal Hallamshire Hospital Sheffield.”
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220