Ian Brady’s name banned at Winnie’s funeral

Finally at peace ... Winnie Johnson's coffin leaving the church

THE mother of Moors Murders victim Keith Bennett was laid to rest yesterday — with all mention of her son’s killer Ian Brady banned.

Tragic Winnie Johnson spent almost 50 years searching in vain for the body of Keith, 12, after he was tortured and killed by Brady and Myra Hindley in 1964.
But there was no mention at her funeral of the pair who caused Winnie, 78, a lifetime of grief and anguish.

Lifetime of hurt ... Winnie Johnson with photo of son Keith Bennett

Instead, hundreds of mourners laughed as they listened to stories of Winnie’s final years, spent whizzing around on a mobility scooter, playing bingo and betting on the horses.
There were also heartfelt tributes to “a forthright and formidable woman”.
Despite her grief at losing Keith and the torment of being unable to bury him, Winnie lived life with a “smile on her face and love in her heart”, mourners were told.

Video:

Moors Murders mum's funeral

Sky News

WINNIE JOHNSON buried with her treasured photos of tragic son Keith Bennet

The service was held at St Chrysostom's Church, Manchester, where each Sunday Winnie lit a candle for Keith.
Canon Ian Gomersall spoke of Winnie’s “great tragedy”, adding: “I will not name the perpetrators of that evil. What I will do is pay tribute to this remarkable woman, to Winnie’s determination to bring her son back to her family.”

Pain ... Winnie Johnson's son Alan Bennett

Cavendish Press

The rector added: “This woman has shown us that we can have courage, strength, hope and determination, whatever assails us. Even in the midst of her grief she could find hope and joy.”
Grandson Stephen Prescott read a eulogy telling of Winnie’s love and pride in her family.
Stephen’s girlfriend Elizabeth Bond, who acted as a carer for Winnie, told how she “taught me words even a sailor wouldn’t know”, adding: “She was a woman ahead of her time.”
The family of John Kilbride, another Moors Murders victim, laid a floral tribute to Winnie with a note saying: “To a lady of courage and endurance in her lifelong valiant fight for justice.”

Pride ... Winnie Johnson's grandson Chris

Neil Jones/The Sun

The Kilbrides also left a message at Saddleworth Moor vowing to continue the search for Keith’s body. The note said: “Now you are both together again Winnie. The Kilbride family will fight on forever.”
Winnie died earlier this month after a long cancer battle.