Julie-Ann Bryan, Alleyne’s adoptive mom, explained to the congregation that, on Aug. 6, Alleyne underwent a CT scan. After reviewing it, a doctor discovered “a big black mass,” Loop Barbados News reported. Bryan didn’t go into more detail about Alleyne’s condition before her death.

During the funeral, Bryan talked about her daughter’s love of life.

“[Tanella] lived a life of gratitude with an outrageous amount of attitude, sprinkled heavily with confidence,” Loop reported she said. “There was something special about Nella. She was bold and courageous. Our love for each other was lit.”

Reverend Suzanne Archer, who leads St. George Parish Church, also spoke during Alleyne’s funeral, offering her condolences to Bryan’s family.

“We are all gathered here today in thanksgiving to Almighty God for the life of dearly departed Tanella, and I know most of you are thinking like that Michael Jackson song says, gone too soon,” she said.

She continued, explaining the impact of death on loved ones:
“If it is one thing that we all know, but we may not think about a lot, is that death is inevitable for everyone,” she said. “Yet despite this knowledge and the fact that you have lost several [family members] before, including her mother, brother, and twin sister, you never seem to be prepared for it, especially when the deceased is so young.”

Six years before Alleyne’s passing, her 21-year-old brother was fatally shot. At the time, Rihanna paid homage to her cousin on Instagram.

She wrote, “RIP cousin… can’t believe it was just last night that I held you in my arms! never thought that would be the last time I felt the warmth in your body!!! Love you always man! #endgunviolence”