Some dissatisfied guests opted not to attend the service due to the presence of the controversial guest but her death wish was granted anyway.
At Mrs. Taffs' funeral service, the sight of the Grim Reaper and a gathering of individuals attired in white might have led observers to mistake the occasion for a Halloween celebration rather than a solemn memorial.
However, not everyone was acquainted with the 68-year-old, who maintained her sense of humor until the very end of her life.
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The quirky mother-of-four made the unconventional decision to meticulously plan her departure, right down to every last detail, including arranging her funeral at Broad Street Green Chapel in Maldon, Essex.
The Grim Reaper attended Sharon Taffs funeral to honour her dying wish
Mrs Taffs, who died after breast cancer diagnosed in 2022 spread to her lungs, had a dying wish for the “Grim Reaper” to be at her funeral, and her daughter Louise Miller, 49, made it a reality.
Six months prior to her passing on December 7th, the concept arose during a conversation about funeral arrangements between Ms. Taffs' daughter and her best friend, Kenny Rossington, aged 59.
Kenny remained in character until the conclusion of the service, startling some of the attendees.
Mr Rossington joked he would attend the service dressed as the “Grim Reaper” and announce to guests “you’re next”.
Ms Miller, from Witham, Essex told the Independent: “Mum thought it was a really good idea.
Sharon and Louise shared a close bond, with the daughter providing care for her ailing mother during her final days.
“He played the part perfectly, he did not speak a single word and stood at the back of the church- he did make a few people jump but guests were forewarned.”
The masked robed figure made a striking contrast against the backdrop of guests, who had been advised to wear white instead of traditional black attire.
Prior to her illness, Sharon held a position as a machine setter in a factory specializing in the production of chairs and tables for schools. During her leisure time, she indulged in creative hobbies such as sewing, painting, knitting, and crochet.
Later in life, Sharon embraced Christianity and became a member of the church where her funeral was held. She faced her passing with serenity, confident that she would meet Jesus when her time came.
Sharon had a multitude of hobbies, including sewing, painting, playing darts, and cards.
In a unique decision, Mrs. Taffs chose to have her cremation before the service, allowing her ashes to be prominently displayed at the front of the church.
Ms Miller said: “She was just an amazing person, when you think of funerals you think of sadness and people weeping. So many people said they really enjoyed it, people were footstomping to the lively music - it was the best funeral I’ve ever been to.”
Throughout the funeral, lively religious songs filled the air, reflecting Sharon's vibrant spirit. In another unconventional request, Ms. Taffs asked for "Dominick the Italian Donkey," an Italian Christmas song, to be played in tribute to her dear Italian friend, Maria.
Sharon’s Act of Service for her ‘thanksgiving’ celebration
The chapel was filled souvenirs from Mrs Taff’s existence including sewing machines, dart boards, photographs, birthday cards and old school reports.
Guests then went to the local pub, the Heybridge Inn, where Ms Taffs played cards.
Ms Miller said: “It’s helped my grieving process because when I look back at her funeral I don’t remember it as a sad occasion, it makes me smile.”
In her final wish, Mrs. Taffs requested that her grandsons and her husband, Tony Taffs, aged 59, scatter her ashes off Ben Nevis.
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