IN less than an hour, Karla ‘Girlie’ Francis would watch in pain as the coffin bearing the body of the daughter named for her is lowered into the ground.

But yesterday afternoon as Francis prepared to say her final goodbye to Karla Candace Chito — the eldest of her three children — she somehow found the strength to forgive her daughter’s killer.

Chito, 40, was shot and killed by her husband, Everald Lloyd Chito, in a tragic tale of murder-suicide on January 30 following a reported argument at the couple’s Waterworks, St Andrew home.

“All has been forgiven, and we pray for his family also,” Francis said in a cheerful tone, shortly after yesterday’s funeral service at the Redeemer Moravian Church in Kingston.

“He allowed the Devil to control him,” Francis told the Sunday Observer as she prepared for the difficult journey to the Dovecot Memorial Park in St Catherine where her daughter’s body would be interred.

“He didn’t even talk things over with a friend as Karla did,” continued Francis, who said the tragedy was unforeseen. “All is well that is done by the Lord.”

Yesterday, scores of mourners crammed into the church to bid farewell to Chito, whom many remembered as being “always cheerful”.

At the outset, as the tributes poured in, the mood of the service was sombre, with several people crying over the loss of Chito. The mood quickly changed, however, after Chito’s daughter Lauren Watkis and mother encouraged the congregants to cheer up.

“My mother was inspirational and determined, and she kept that until the end,” Watkis said, as she encouraged everyone present to “be strong” and keep her mother’s memories alive.

Taking the microphone, Francis said: “This is a thanksgiving service, so I’m giving thanks. The Lord has been keeping me and He knows best. He knows why under these circumstances Karla passed away. … I will not question it.”

At this point, Francis broke out into singing, after which she again addressed the congregation.

“I miss her, but the Lord knows best. Karla was cheerful as a baby and into childhood. She was loving and caring, she never refused to help,” added Francis, before she again started singing.

Chito’s youngest daughter, who had earlier broken down in tears and had to be consoled while addressing the congregation, managed to muster the strength to say: “…This is not goodbye for me, but see you later, Mom.”

Colleagues from JMMB and friends of Chito’s also remembered her as a reliable and trustworthy person, who loved life and laughter.

Yesterday, Reverend Germaine Lovelace encouraged mourners to use the opportunity to get to know Jesus as their personal saviour, and flee abusive relationships.