THEY were inconsolable. Pia Phillips’ mother, Rose; her schoolmates; the altar workers; and other members of the congregation wept openly as the white casket with the body of the former Immaculate Conception High School head girl was rolled out of the St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Kingston yesterday.

“This is so sad, so sad,” one of the students uttered through her tears as the casket passed by.

The grief was even more pronounced on the faces of the uniformed sixth form students from Pia’s class who lined the church’s walkway on both sides as the pall bearers carried the casket from the church to the hearse.

Police say Pia was accidentally shot by her father, Paul Phillips, as he rushed to rescue her and other family members from gunmen who had held them up at their home in Havendale, St Andrew on November 1 – the same day Pia celebrated her 18th birthday.

Yesterday, hundreds of family members and well-wishers, including Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Finance Minister Audley Shaw and Education Minister Andrew Holness packed the church Pia attended to bid her a final farewell.

A tent erected outside the church was also bursting at the seams with mourners, some of whom wore pins bearing Pia’s picture.

But not even Reverend Father Kingsley Asphall, who officiated the funeral service could hold back his tears as he read the final commendation over Pia’s casket. He had to pass the microphone to another church official to continue. The official’s voice also cracked.

Before that, Father Asphall spent most of his sermon telling the congregation of a talented young girl whose personality had the power to light up any room.

Loving, loyal, humble, honest, educated, out-reaching, musical and poised were some of the words he used to describe the youngster who he said touched the lives of many who crossed her path, and who stood out as a role model to her peers.

“Everything about Pia was so positive,” he said. “She was and still is a phenomenal young woman. Pia was determined to contribute to the here and now and was on her way to achieving the greatest heights. She taught us to do the very best we can in any given task.”

Pia, he added, played an active role in the church and dedicated some of her time to helping the young people in her church with Mathematics.

“Jamaica needs many more like Pia – full of life, energy and love,” Father Asphall said. “Pia at 18 accomplished so much and she had so much more to contribute to this nation draped in blood.”

Pia’s body was dressed in a floral dress and a pink bolero jacket, which many said was a true reflection of her beaming personality and captivating smile. Wreaths surrounded a photo of her at the altar.

Her father kissed her on the forehead when the casket was opened for viewing before the service began.

During the service, Sister Angella Harris from Immaculate High remembered Pia’s willingness to help others, and her involvement in netball, athletics and drama.

“She read to those who were blind and she helped those who were disabled. and at the end of the day she would come to us and say how fulfilling that was,” she said. “We are happy to be left with a fine example.”

L McLean from Quest Preparatory School said Pia displayed leadership qualities at an early age and was not afraid to speak her mind. She told the congregation that it was no surprise that Pia, who graduated valedictorian from Quest, was selected as head girl of Immaculate, one of the island’s top secondary schools.

“She was multifaceted and able to do anything she wanted to do,” said McLean. “She excelled academically and was always at the top her class. She was just an exceptional student who excelled in all areas. She blew every mind.”

Minister Holness said Pia “was a leader in education”.

“We have to double our efforts as students, as teachers, as parents concerned, with prayers and holding each other up,” he said. “Standing up against what is wrong and standing up for what is right.”