Kim Porter‘s loved ones and hundreds of other people gathered in her hometown on Saturday to pay their respects at her funeral, just over one week after her sudden death.
The 47-year-old model and actress and mother of four was honored at a service at Cascade Hills Church in Columbus, Georgia. Guests included her ex Sean “Diddy” Combs, who shares three children with her, his mother Janice Combs, as well as Kimora Lee Simmons, Tichina Arnold, NeNe Leakes, Kandi Burruss, Lil’ Kim, Yolanda Adams, Mary J. Bligeand Faith Evans.
“Today we lay to rest our ANGEL. Her spirit lives on with us FOREVER!!!” Diddy tweeted before the service began. “We thank you all for your prayers and support. You have no idea how much it means to us. We thank GOD for all of you. #KimPorter.”
Diddy wore a black tuxedo and sunglasses and was very somber, staying close to his mother during the service, an eyewitness told E! News. The rapper and producer clutched a big pink program, which read “KP” on the front.
Diddy had arranged for Porter’s golden casket to travel in a horse-drawn carriage. The church was decorated with white roses, many of which adorned the casket. A black and white photo of her was also placed near it. A live band and choir performed various musical numbers.
“The service was lengthy with many people speaking and performing. The mood was somber but it was also a celebration of Kim’s life with uplifting music and prayer,” the eyewitness told E! News.
Bishop Noel Jones delivered the eulogy, the insider said. Diddy, as well as Porter’s 27-year-old son Quincy Brown—who he helped raise, also spoke at the funeral and the latter broke down while speaking, TMZ reported. His father and Porter’s other ex Al B. Sure! then joined them onstage.
“At the end of the service, Marvin Gaye‘s “What’s Going On” played and everyone exited the church,” the eyewitness told E! News. “They headed for the burial at Evergreen Memorial Park where fireworks were ready to be set off from the parking lot next door.”
Porter will be buried at the Evergreen Memorial Gardens cemetery alongside her mother, Sarah Lee Porter, who died in 2014.
“God broke the mold when he made Kim, there was truly no other woman like her,” Porter’s extended family, including Diddy’s, said in a statement on Friday. “Although her time here on earth was far too short, she lived a life full of purpose and meaning. She was a loving mother and devoted friend. She was the epitome of kindness and grace. There wasn’t a person she met who’s soul she did not touch. Kim was the type of woman who changed lives for the better. She will be forever remembered and missed by so many. As her family, we promise to honor her every day of our lives. We love you always.”
Porter was found dead in her bed at her Los Angeles-area home on November 15. In addition to Diddy and Quincy, Porter is survived by her and the rapper’s son Christian Casey Combs and twin daughters Jessie James Combs and D’lila Star Combs, as well as the model’s father Jake D. Porter, Jr. and her grandmother Lila Mae Star.
“Kim was raised with southern values and remained close to her traditional roots and upbringing throughout her storied life,” her family said in a press release, according to Atlanta NBC affiliate WXIA-TV. “She deeply loved her hometown of Columbus, Georgia, and was most happy when she was able to return home for family visits.”
“Despite her beloved status, Kim counted motherhood as her greatest achievement and was a committed and devoted presence in the lives of her four children, filling them with love, grace, compassion, joy, and hope,” her family said in their press release. “Her profound legacy and light lives on through them.”
Porter and Diddy, a father of five, dated for 13 years before splitting in 2007.
“For the last three days I’ve been trying to wake up out of this nightmare. But I haven’t,” Diddy wrote on social media in the days following Porter’s death. “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you baby. I miss you so much.”
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“Today I’m going to pay tribute to you, I’m going to try and find the words to explain our unexplainable relationship,” he continued. “We were more than best friends, we were more than soul mates. WE WERE SOME OTHER S–T!! And I miss you so much. Super Black Love [black heart emoji].”
He also wrote a message to Porter, telling her, “I’ll raise our family just like you taught me to. Love you forever!!!!”
Quincy also paid tribute to his mom on social media, writing along with a family photo, “I am broken…& the only thing that makes sense right now is that you were way too good for this silly world we live in. I love you so much MOMMY. Please give Mee-Maw the biggest hug and kiss for me.”
Last weekend, Diddy and Porter’s famous friends gathered to honor her during a private “homegoing celebration.” A source told E! News Diddy hosted the memorial at his home, with Pharrell Williams, French Montana and Mary J. Blige in attendance.