Schoolmates of Abby-Gail Lugg view her body during the funeral at New Haven Seventh-day Adventist Church in St. Andrew yesterday. - Photos by Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Mark Beckford, Gleaner Writer

People of all ages and walks of life yesterday wept uncontrollably as they said final goodbyes to Abby-Gail Lugg whose vision that her "future is bright" was cruelly ripped from her.

Abby-Gail was laid to rest after an emotion-filled funeral yesterday at the New Haven Seventh-day Church, Duhaney Park, St. Andrew.

The 10-year-old was killed on May 29 when an out-of-control minibus ploughed into a bus stop along the Washington Boulevard, St. Andrew.

Anthony Lugg, father of Abby-Gail, and her mother Dian Morris were inconsolable. Abby-Gail was described as the star of her parents' lives.

Her death was particularly hard for Lugg to bear, especially with yesterday being Father's Day. "It's very sad, very, very sad. I feel like a different person since it has happened. I cry day and night," said Lugg, who was unable to finish his sentence as he broke down in tears.

Abby-Gail was remembered as an exuberant, articulate and ebullient bundle of joy.

"Abby-Gail was one of our most beautiful and talented students. She was loved by all who knew her because of her warm and indomitable spirit. It was not in her to doubt her ability to achieve," said Maxine Thomas, principal of the Greater Portmore Primary School. "She was an intelligent child who was a winner and who had a never-give-up attitude."

Last year, Abby-Gail won the Optimist Club Caribbean District Oratorical Speech Competition. Excerpts of her winning entry, titled 'My future is bright because ...', were read at the funeral by members of the Optimist Club. One poignant line from her piece read, "My future is bright because as my school motto says, 'Strive for Excellence', I will strive for excellence."

To honour the memory of the late student, the management board of Gregory Park Primary School has established the Abby-Gail Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The principal in her tribute said young Abby-Gail had left an indelible mark and had "made the world a better place".

Dian Morris(left), mother of Abby-Gail Lugg, is consoled by friend Jodian Evans