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Last rites for Lolly the 'rough diamond'

WIDOW IN BLACK: Demi, the wife of slain Teazers boss Lolly Jackson, breaks down at his funeral at Southpark Cemetery near Germiston yesterday. Pic: ANTONIO MUCHAVE. 10/05/2010. © Sowetan. 20100510AMU/NEWS.Deni, Lolly's Jacson wife dujring his funeral at Southpark Cemetry in Elspark nea Germiston in Ekurhuleni . PHOTO: ANTONIO MUCHAVE .
WIDOW IN BLACK: Demi, the wife of slain Teazers boss Lolly Jackson, breaks down at his funeral at Southpark Cemetery near Germiston yesterday. Pic: ANTONIO MUCHAVE. 10/05/2010. © Sowetan. 20100510AMU/NEWS.Deni, Lolly's Jacson wife dujring his funeral at Southpark Cemetry in Elspark nea Germiston in Ekurhuleni . PHOTO: ANTONIO MUCHAVE .

MINUTES after slain Teazers owner Lolly Jackson's coffin was lowered into his grave, his wife Demi walked up to a framed photo of him, said a prayer and kissed it.

Her demonstration of grief was then repeated by Jackson's children Samantha, Manoli and Julian.

Jackson, who died in a hail of bullets last week, was buried at Southpark Cemetery in Elspark, Ekurhuleni, yesterday.

A long-bearded Greek Orthodox priest poured olive oil and red wine on top of the mahogany coffin before it was lowered.

Jackson's wife and children also placed a Greek flag into the grave. She cried uncontrollably. A few mourners also shed tears.

The police's search for his alleged killer, George Smith, has been unsuccessful.

Jackson was described as a "big and remarkable man" by his long-time friend Vincent Marino.

"Lolly was committed to what he was responsible for. He lived by his own rules and stood up for what he believed in.

"Today we celebrate his life. Lolly was a rough diamond, rough at the edges in his manners and actions."

Marino said Jackson, his friend of 35 years, was a man who wanted everything and lived life to the full.

"I hope there is a highway in heaven ready for him."

Jackson's brother Costa said: "Lolly was a super guy. A lot of people are trying to slander his name and it's upsetting."

Family spokesperson Sean Newman said the family would not comment anymore.

"Police are still investigating. We are confident that they will do their best and that the perpetrator will be brought to book."

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