William L. Durr – His Story

When God breathed life into my body on September 7, 1980, in Chicago, Illinois and presented my beautiful mother, Lillie Dell Stokes and amazing father, James Durr with their handsome bundle of joy, He already knew that I would be called home on January 13, 2020. He also knew that I needed a strong courageous woman to usher me into adulthood and in the summer of 1985, Charlene Durr, you became that courageous woman to me. Our family unit became strong, and all of my siblings became the icing on the cake which completed our family. Though, it may seem hard because my physical presence is no longer with you, know, in your heart, that I have lived a great life. Times weren't always easy, but we had each other. You all taught me many lessons that I hold close and dear to my heart. I made many friends while attending Genesis One, Piney Woods Country Life School and Job Corps in 1994. After learning painting and carpentry, the sky was the limit and it was never a job too hard for "Big Will" to tackle. The adventures I had were many and I have no regrets. God was with me when I came into this world and He was holding my hand when I took my last breath. Oh, the walk around heaven, on these streets paved with gold are beyond anything on earth I could ever describe. Being absent from each of you is hard but being with God is amazing. All of our loved ones who preceded me in passing, made the transition easier. We are preparing a place for each of you, because life as it says in the Bible, is like a vapor. Learn to live with no regrets, love each other harder than you ever have, put small things aside because family is important.

I joined Greater Dry Ridge M.B. Church and was baptized along with my sister, Lisa Durr. Whew, that water chilled my body but not my soul. I learned how to love God and to live in His word, though many times I may not have always done what was right, but His mercy carried me. So life progressed and we moved to Hawpond and what a time I had with so many friends and family to grow up with. It was with my parents and siblings that we joined St. Peter M.B. Church and though my vocal skills may not have been perfect, I joined the Sunshine Choir. It was at St. Peter that I enjoyed many summers of Bible school, Bible study and just making memories in the community. Those are the times I want each of you to remember because death is imminent but God is great. The Bible says, weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Let the happy memories we shared give you peace when you feel sadness and despair creeping into your thoughts.

Having amazing parents showed me what true love looks like and how to be a provider for my family. So, once God saw that I was ready, He abundantly blessed me with a beautiful fiancé, Casondra Shuntae; three children, William LaShond Durr, Jr., Wesley LaShond Durr, and Keimyjai Davis that I love beyond measure. The blessings started when He graced my life with four strong and bossy sisters, Monique Williams, Charlotte Durr, and Gwendolyn Jones, all of Mendenhall, Mississippi, and Lisa Durr of Youngstown, Ohio. He still was not done, He knew I needed help with all those girls and He sent Rondra Durr of Dallas, Texas and Marcell Stokes of Chicago, Illinois to help lighten my load. We all know cousins are our first friends, I love all of my cousins dearly and each of you know it goes without saying, but I have to shout out a special cousin, Shauwanda Stokes of Youngstown, Ohio, thanks for everything. I have so many nieces and nephews that I love beyond measure and I am beyond grateful that God has give me a different lens and perspective to watch you from and the view here is impeccable. So, Demario, Demarcio, Jakeerah, Jadarius, Jamiiya, Demia, Braylen, Jy'Quez, Shajiya, Ivory, and Iverson listen to your parents, get an education, laugh often, make your parents proud and always know that I am looking down to hold you up.

I love all of you, both my family and friends, for simply loving me. Please don't mourn for me, I lived a full life, which came packed with ups and downs, but none with regrets. I lived, I loved and I left a legacy, this is all most of us ever wish for and I was fortunate enough to have done all three. Until we meet again, me, my mom, Big Momma and all of our loved ones who have entered these pearly gates before us, were waiting with open arms. We are reunited and what a celebration it has been. I am at peace. We might even have a barbeque, lol.

Family, life is short and my going home to be with our Lord is the purest example of that. Anger is easy to hold onto, but we must realize that we only get one family and though we are far from perfect we are all we have and we only get one chance to make it right. Love one another accept their flaws because no one is beyond God's judgement.

As I take my eternal rest from the physical, I begin my eternal life with the Father.

If I did not get a last chance to tell you before I left that I love you, know I love each and all of you. Don't stress about old issues that weren't resolved, words that were said in anger or missed opportunities. I forgive you and hope you have forgiven me. Being here has already taught me a lesson and that lesson is: don't sweat the small stuff and it is all small stuff. Let your family know what they mean to you now.

As our loved ones welcomed me home, I will be waiting for each of you with meat on the grill, music and open arms.

Love, William "Big Will" Durr