Forever 17: loved ones remember free spirited Pheobe
Family and friends of a teen allegedly murdered by her housemates have gathered in the rain at a private funeral service as her loved-ones remember the "free spirited" girl.
Wearing bright colours in Bundaberg on Monday, those who knew and loved Pheobe Bishop came together to farewell the 17-year-old six weeks after she disappeared.
A sunny photo of Pheobe in front of Victoria's 12 apostles featured on the front of the funeral program. Below were the words: "Forever 17."
Inside the program, a message from the family said: "Pheobe's family would like to thank you for your kindness and support.
"Your expressions of sympathy and thoughtfulness will always be gratefully remembered and deeply appreciated."
Security was present to ensure the service went ahead only with family and friends in attendance, with media asked to stay away.
Pheobe was last seen near Bundaberg airport about 8.30am on May 15 after booking a trip to Western Australia to see her boyfriend.
Queensland Police allege her housemates, Tanika Bromley and James Wood, drove Pheobe close to the airport in a grey Hyundai, but no one left the car.
She was allegedly murdered and her body was moved more than once from the Good Night Scrub National Park, an hour's drive from the airport.
Phone data led officers to focus their search on the national park before her remains were found on June 6.
Pheobe's mother, Kylie Johnson, had promised to bring the teen home throughout the long search, which generated national attention.
Ms Johnson told the ABC she was "devastated this is something we have had to navigate".
"I would tell people to hug their kids a little tighter, tell them you love them multiple times a day, watch that silly movie, dance to the song and capture every moment in your memories," she said.
Multiple candlelit vigils attended by hundreds have been held across Bundaberg and Gin Gin in recent weeks, remembering how Pheobe lived life to the fullest.
Wood, 34, and Bromley, 33, remain behind bars and will face court on August 11, charged with murder and interfering with a corpse.
