Eulogy given by Aaliyah’s brother at her funeral: 

We are here today to celebrate the life and acknowledge the transition into peace of Aaliyah. In addition, we keep in our hearts the eight passengers who not only worked with her but loved her too. Keeth Wallace, Eric Forman, Gina Smith, Luis Morales, Scott Gallin, Doug Kratz, Christopher Maldonado, and Anthony Dodd. 

As we live each day on this earth, we write a chapter in the book of our lives. It is a book filled with stories of happiness, laughter, adventure, danger, sadness, joy, pain, and love. Every person that smiles at us as they pass us by on the street; each is important in creating the myriad of memories that make us who we are, I believe that time exists so that we may pinpoint each one of those memories in our book of life. When the time comes for our book to be finished, we can go back and re-experience any moment that we wish to for however long we desire. God has decided that Aaliyah’s book is done, and now she can sit by his side and enjoy flipping through the pages of her life and finally learn the meaning of the mystery we are all still living here on earth. 

Aaliyah was my little sister, my best friend, my hero, my perfect love. I knew all her little secrets and she knew all of mine. Whenever I was lost or felt there was no way out, she was there to take my hand and guide me through. What made her so special was that although she was a star, when you met her she made you feel like a star. Babygirl, I will see your smile in every sunrise and feel the warmth of your touch in its rays. I will remember how your tears cleansed my soul in every raindrop and your kiss like the wind on my face. When the birds sing I’ll hear your angelic voice resonate through the sky. I’ll look at the moon and stars and see the twinkle in your eye, I’ll walk the earth knowing that you are everywhere. Looking down from heaven, waiting for your big brother to get there.

Hold her for me God,

Amen.

- Rashad Haughton