Dame Deborah James previously opened up about her hopes for a "tequila filled funeral" in the weeks leading up to her passing.
The brave campaigner passed away at age 40 following a five year bowel cancer battle. Ahead of her passing, Dame Deborah tirelessly campaigned and raised funds for those with the same illness.
Deborah's Bowelbabe fund has so far raised more than £7.4million for Cancer Research UK.
Mum of two Deborah had been incredibly candid about her journey with the illness from the moment she was diagnosed. And even after she shared a heartbreaking goodbye post revealing she was receiving hospice care at her parents' home she continued to do so much for the cause.
In that time, Deborah also opened up about planning her funeral to make it easier for her family when the time came.
Speaking to The Sunday Times in May, Deborah explained how she wanted to be cremated and have a church service.
Deborah said of her funeral at the time: "It sounds morbid, but I want a sombre funeral in black and white because I think people look good in black and white.
"There’s a big church in Barnes and I’ll leave Seb to decide on the reception, as long as there is tequila.
"Being a teacher, I was thinking about all the different things I could get people to do. I’m thinking of asking people to bring a picture or a funny anecdote, so my family have something to remember."
Deborah added how she hopes the anecdotes will help her children Hugo, 14, and Eloise, 12, "collect memories from people".
She shared hopes they will remember her but added that they are "still very young" so Deborah feared her image "will fade and they will have to rely on videos or photos" of their beloved mum.
Dame Deborah had also chosen the music she wanted played, revealing Tell Me It’s Not True from Blood Brothers was her top choice.
The mum of two added how she would like her children to read poems during the service "if they would be up for it".
After the service, Deborah also shared plans to have a "nice small bench" placed on the common opposite her family home so her children can have somewhere to "go and cry".
She added: "Some people want their ashes scattered in different places; I don’t because I think I would be lonely. I’m the kind of person that wouldn’t mind staying in the top drawer in the kitchen for a while."
Deborah candidly admitted she was "petrified of being alone" and she added at the time: "I don't want to die alone."
The dame passed away on June 28 surrounded by her family, a statement on her Instagram page revealed.
It read: "We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Dame Deborah James; the most amazing wife, daughter, sister, mummy. Deborah passed away peacefully today, surrounded by her family."
