The funeral of Dorothy Whiteway, who was killed in a fire at her home in Moor Lane in July, has been held at Chessington Methodist Church.

Mrs Whiteway, 90, died after fire broke out at her home just yards from the church on July 27.

Son Steve Whiteway, the managing director of Epsom Coaches, paid tribute to her at the service on Friday, which about 200 people attended.

He told mourners: "Mum loved this place and the church family.

"She was an active member of the Women’s Fellowship and was one of the founding members of the Women’s Tuesday Group.

"Over the years mum threw herself into every aspect of church life literally, as she famously played the part of Dandelion in Jack and the Beanstalk on the stage behind me and was in various productions over the years."

"Mum was always there for anyone who needed her.

"I know she was very proud of what her sons have achieved in life, but at the outset she was the driving forced that ensured we were well set up for the challenges ahead.

"We owe mum a huge debt of gratitude and although we can now look after ourselves, I shall miss her wise counsel and often hilarious comments after my recalling the events of a working week.

Your Local Guardian:

Steve Whiteway

He added: "'Steve’s mum' was well known at Epsom Coaches and for many years she was one of our best customers, and, as you might imagine, always treated like royalty by the many staff who looked after her over the years.

"She was always very grateful to those who helped her, in whatever way, and I would like to take this opportunity to pass on our family’s very sincere thanks to all those who helped mum over the last few years when she wasn’t as mobile as she would have liked."

Your Local Guardian:

Tributes to Mrs Whiteway

Mr Whiteway continued: "The family have received so many messages of support, with wonderful recollections of mum and concern for dad, which have been a great comfort to us all.

"Mum always said we should count our blessings and we will certainly take comfort that although she has gone, she has left us with so many happy memories of a kind, compassionate and capable lady, who was such a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

"Most importantly, a loving wife to dad through almost 63 years of marriage."

Your Local Guardian:

Mrs Whiteway's husband Roy was able to attend

Mrs Whiteway was born in Teddington in 1924, the youngest of four children.

She left school at 14 and trained as a florist - and became well known in later life for her skill in arranging flowers.

During the war she served in the Women's RAF, stationed in Wales and Swanley.

She met husband Roy at the Surbiton Assembly Rooms in 1948, and they were married in 1951.

The couple moved to Moor Lane ten years later, with their three sons, and Mrs Whiteway put her floristry skills to use at the Methodist church.

Mr Whiteway was rescued from the fire by neighbour Alan Rendall, and was well enough to attend Friday's service.