You've GOT TO READ this story about Elizabeth Taylor's Funeral (Hilarious!)

Elizabeth Taylor was late to her own funeral.

The Hollywood icon was laid to rest yesterday (Thursday) at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, but the ceremony was delayed by about 15 minutes after the announced start time -- at her own request.

Publicist Sally Morrison said Taylor left instructions to start the funeral late, explaining, "She even wanted to be late for her own funeral."

The private Jewish ceremony, attended by family and friends, began with actor Colin Farrell reciting a poem called "The Leaden Echo and the Golden Echo."

The Westboro Baptist Church, which had threatened to protest the funeral, never showed up.

Elizabeth Taylor, 79, died of congestive heart failure Wednesday.