Even at the age of four, Kimora Millette looked out for her twin sister Kiara and touched many lives: her death has left her family and neighbourhood in mourning.
Hugging her three other children, Marsha Caraballo cried as she sat on a chair next to the small coffin containing Kimora's body. This was at yesterday's funeral service at their Betsy Street, La Romaine home–four days after Kimora Millette died from smoke inhalation from a fire at the house. During the fire, Kiara, who had been in the room with Kimora watching television, had run for help. Fire and smoke had already engulfed the room.
Kimora's father, Ronan Millette–who like the child's mother, was at work during the fire–yesterday sat on the opposite side of the coffin with his head bent, shaking from side to side.The closed coffin was airbrushed with a painting of the child; two framed photos of Kimora rested on the lid.Among the tributes to Kimora was a medley of songs by her classmates at Headstart Kindergarten, including You Are My Sunshine, which was her favourite song.
Describing Kimora as a gem, her aunt Mavian Acosta said she was the firstborn of the twins."Kimora was loving and smart. She loved her twin sister with a passion and took great care of her."Acosta said: "Kimora was Kiara's interpreter. When Kiara spoke, just ask Kimora what she had said, and she would interpret. Kimora loved to sing and dance–especially ballet."
Kimora, Acosta said, loved God. "She would remind my daughter Toni to pray at night. I remember the first time Marsha placed Kimora in my care at three months, and I loved her instantly. Her favourite song was You are my Sunshine. Favourite colour was red. She was always inquisitive. She loved the beach. She was loved by all and touched anyone who came in contact with her. She loved to go to chuch, singing and clapping, and even repeating what the pastor was saying."
Minister in the Ministry of the People and Social Development Vernella Alleyne-Toppin attended the funeral, and sang a gospel song and a South African song called Tula Baba.Burial was at Rambath Cemetery.
