Standing wrapped in his father’s arms, 10-year-old Tren Brown smiles bravely at the funeral of his mother Natina Reed.
The only child of the R & B star, the youngster was joined by friends, family and stars of the music scene as Natina was laid to rest in her hometown.
Tren’s father, the rapper Kurupt, footed the bill for the service and the reception afterwards so that his son could say a proper goodbye to his mother.
Tren has lived with his father since he was six and will continue to do so.
On Saturday, the 39-year-old rapper tweeted: ‘We luv u Natina ….. #MissedButNotForgottin.’
The Bring It On star’s funeral took place on Saturday at Abundant Life Church in Lithonia, Georgia with many of her friends and family present.
Members of the late singer’s 1990s all-girl group Blaque were said to be in attendance, as well as Chilli and T-Boz from TLC and rappers Big Boi, Daz and Snoop Dogg.
Natina was killed in Georgia on the night of October 26 after being struck by a car. She was two days shy of her 32nd birthday.
The driver of the vehicle who hit the singer called 911 at 10.30pm, according to the Gwinnett Police Department.
Just 29 minutes later Natina was pronounced dead at Gwinnett Medical Center.
A press release said that Natina ‘was in the roadway on Lawrenceville Highway near Hamilton Road when struck.’
Police said that the driver ‘was determined to be not at fault and there are no charges pending.’
Natina had been living at an extended stay motel at the time of her death, and had only been 12 miles from the $45 per night StudioPlus Atlanta Peachtree Corners in Norcross, Georgia when the accident happened.
She had been wearing dark clothing in an unlit area when she died, and police were trying to determine whether she was walking in the road or attempting to cross it.
Many of her friends have expressed their grief over Natina’s untimely passing.
‘Last night the world was changed forever, life will never be the same… she was my sister,’ Brandi Williams, singer and former Blaque bandmember, tweeted.
Brandi, Natina and Shamari Fears-Devoe had several hits throughout the 1990s including their most famous, Bring It All To Me.
Shamari also paid tribute to her former bandmate on Twitter, writing: ‘My world as I know it has forever changed. Until we meet again, may you find comfort in the arms of an angel. I love you Natina.’
Besides a music career, Natina appeared in the hit movie Bring It On in 2000, playing a cheerleader for the Clovers.
Rest in Peace Natina.
Hit the flip for the tweets.
