Jordan Webb Ballywalter funeral: Sister says her brother's renewed faith 'brings them so much comfort'

The body of Jordan Webb, 28, was found at an address in New Harbour Road in the village of Portavogie on 6 November. A 21-year-old Portavogie man has appeared in court charged with his murder.

Friends and family at a thanksgiving service at Holy Trinity Church, Ballywalter, today heard he was reserved but "funny, kind, and genuine" and beloved by friends he grew up with in the village of Portavogie.

He had also been a proud drummer in the Portavogie Red Hand Defenders Flute Band.

His sister Jessica Handcock told mourners that their family are taking "so much comfort" in the fact that he had renewed his childhood faith in recent times.

About two years ago, he went to church with his girlfriend Ruby "and asked the Lord into his heart" she said.

"And through his struggles, he continued to pray and be guided by God, which he shared with my mum right up until just before his passing.

"Knowing that he found faith and accepted Jesus brings us so much comfort.

"We can take comfort knowing that he’s in heaven, at peace, and surrounded by love with no more pain."

Growing up with him, she said she would always remember his smile: "That smile was pure Jordan — gentle, kind, and full of life."

In more recent years he was quiet and a bit reserved, and at times he struggled with confidence, she said.

"But those of us who knew him best saw just how funny, kind, and genuine he really was. He had such a good heart."

They shared the same friendship group in Portavogie village as they grew up.

"Those friends were and still are true, genuine people who loved Jordan deeply and were there for him during hard times."

The pair had "an incredible childhood" together, thanks to their mum and dad, Vicky and Stuart.

He adored his younger siblings Sophie and Grayson and Jessica's daughter, Eva.

For a number of years, "he battled with his mental health and addiction" she said, but "he never lost the part of him that was kind, loving, and still passed everyone with that beautiful smile and a hello”.

He was a proud member of the Portavogie Red Hand Defenders flute band, and played the drum "with such passion and talent", she said.

The pride and memories of the band were "a part of who he was" she added.

Rev Adrian Green, Vicar of Ballywalter, explained to mourners the endearing way he got his nickname, "Wolfy"; A neighbourhood girl gave it to him when he was a child - on account of his hairy legs and bushy eyebrows.

He said Jordan had come to faith as a child and renewed his faith several years ago. He often exchanged Bible verse memes with his mother Vicky, he said.

The cleric told mourners that God never promised lives "easy or free of tragedy" but did promise "love and strength" so "we can grow back stronger and better" after trials.

He added that God "recognises our pain" at this time "because he too knows what it means to lose a child".