It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our classmate and friend, Deetra Sands Durham, who passed away peacefully in the Ft Lauderdale, FL area on Friday, March 13, 2026 after a long battle with cancer.

But Deetra did not go gently into the night, she was a fighter and a champion for others battling cancer. Her "...cancer journey began in November 2014 when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer." "During her treatment journey, she faced many roadblocks and challenges which resulted in a total of ten surgeries and four courses of chemotherapy." 

Deetra, wanting to help and empower other women in their battles with cancer started and led her own Empowered to Thrive, Inc. non-profit foundation with a mission to "...assist and support women diagnosed with cancer (past and present) by providing services, knowledge, and resources designed to optimize wellness and improve their quality of life. This support includes connecting cancer thrivers with ongoing education, resources, and services available in their community."

Deetra's life accomplishments and passing was noted by Ft Lauderdale's own Westside Gazette news organization with this beautiful tribute. 

I encourage you to explore Empowered to Thrive's website to learn more about our friend and her courageous struggle to help others.  There is an Instagram page as well.  

A limited obituary notice can be found here.  

A Celebration of Life funeral service will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 11 AM at Mount Bethel Baptist Church, 2201 NW 24th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311.  

"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."

https://thewestsidegazette.com/she-was-an-angel-among-us-community-mourns-the-passing-of-deetra-sands-durham/