By Marilyn M. Jones, Chairperson – Empowered to Thrive, Inc. and Bobby R. Henry, Sr.
The community is mourning the loss of a woman whose life was defined not by her challenges, but by how she transformed them into purpose.
Deetra Sands Durham, Founder, President, and CEO of *Empowered to Thrive, Inc., has passed, leaving behind a legacy rooted in compassion, resilience, and unwavering service to others. Her passing has created a profound void for all who knew her, worked alongside her, and were touched by her mission.
As I reflect on her life and impact, I can say without hesitation: “She was an angel among us.”
Deetra did not simply lead an organization she lived its purpose. What began as her personal health journey became something far greater. She took her own experiences with cancer and transformed them into a movement of hope, ensuring that others walking a similar path would never have to do so alone.
Her vision for ‘Empowered to Thrive, Inc.’ was both simple and profound: to create a safe, supportive space for cancer survivors and thrivers, men and women, young and old alike where strength could be shared, stories could be told, and healing could begin not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
And she did just that.
Through her leadership, Empowered to Thrive became more than an organization it became a lifeline. It became a community. It became a family.
Those who encountered Deetra, and believe us there were many, quickly realized that her compassion was not performative, it was genuine, deeply rooted, and ever-present. Whether offering encouragement, organizing resources, or simply listening, she met people where they were and reminded them of where they could still go.
In this time of sorrow, our hearts are especially with her beloved son, Marcus Durham, and her brother, Darryl Sands. We ask that the community lift them in prayer and extend to them the grace of privacy as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
We also extend our prayers to the Board of Directors of Empowered to Thrive, Inc. To them, Deetra was more than a founder or leader she was family. Her absence is deeply felt, but her presence will forever remain in the work they continue.
Because while Deetra Sands Durham may no longer be with us physically, her vision did not leave with her.
It lives on in every life she touched. In every survivor who found strength because of her. In every moment where hope replaced fear because she chose to act.
Her mission: to uplift, empower, and support those facing cancer continues. And it will continue because she built it not just on structure, but on spirit.
There are some individuals whose lives echo far beyond their time here. Deetra was one of them.
And though we grieve her loss, we must also honor her life not just with words, but by continuing the work she so passionately began.
Because angels do not disappear.
They leave their light behind for us to follow.
