A quiet road in Southampton was transformed as family members gathered to say goodbye to a 'matriarch' of the Southampton Sikh community.

Gurmit Kaur Bhakar, described as having an "unforgettable smile", was laid to rest in a funeral procession on Monday, July 8, with five limousines and a horse-drawn carriage leading the way.

Residents of Bullar Street rushed to their front doors to pay their respects as the convoy arrived outside of Gurmit's home.

Gurmit Kaur Bhakar died on Monday, July 1, at the age of 82, leaving behind six children, 23 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.

She lived on Bullar Street for more than 44 years and was an elder in the Southampton Sikh community – with those attending her funeral saying she was known for her ‘wisdom, guidance and support’.

Friends and family gathered on Bullar StreetFriends and family gathered on Bullar Street (Image: NQ) The horse drawn procession travelled from Bullar Street to the Gurdwara Tegh Bahadur Sahib on St Marks Road, followed by hundreds of Gurmit’s close friends and family.

Jagjit and Gurpar Singh Bhakar are two of Gurmit’s 23 grandchildren said that she had been involved in the Southampton Sikh community for decades.

Gurpar said: “My grandfather, Fuman Singh Bhakar, who passed away more than 30 years ago was one of the Sikh elders in Southampton along with my grandmother.

“She would always help out at the Sikh temple and was known in the New Town area for decades – she was a regular at the market and know all the traders.

“She was so bubbly and we remember how much she loved shopping.”

Jagjit added: “She was known for being kind, brave, wise and intelligent. If you ever needed advice she was the right person – she will be remembered for her wisdom, guidance and support and her unforgettable smile.”

Gurmit Kaur Bhakar's coffin was lifted from the carriage at the Gurdwara Tegh Bahadur SahibGurmit Kaur Bhakar's coffin was lifted from the carriage at the Gurdwara Tegh Bahadur Sahib (Image: NQ) The family also said a special thank you to Jonathan Terry Funeral Directors, who brought the horse drawn carriage lead by Tom Clarke.

Amarjeetsingh Rathore is the General Secretary at the Gurdwara Tegh Bahadur Sahib and knew Gurmit well.

He said: “She was a beloved community member for us. Personally, I met her 18 years ago and she was a lovely and graceful lady.

“She was so respectful and would always greets us laughing and smiling. Today is very sombre for us and we pray for her.”