By Ashley McLeod, staff writer
Jan 15, 2016, 13:26
COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Middle School auditorium was filled with family, friends, and classmates on Wednesday, mourning the loss of one of their own, Aaron Durham.
At the age of 12, Aaron was diagnosed with brain stem cancer. He passed away on Jan. 7, just a little more than a month shy of his thirteenth birthday.
“Aaron was clearly a 7-year-old who was just so gracious to his family, and to others,” said Colonial Heights Superintendent of Schools Joe Cox.
“He always put others before himself, and what a great way to be remembered by.”
Born on February 21, 2003, Aaron had always been bright, friendly, and caring to others. He was a straight-A student, a member of the middle school band, and a basketball and soccer player.
The seventh-grader was also KAPS student leader who tutored students at Tussing Elementary School in Colonial Heights. He loved movies and reading, and his room was filled with stacks on stacks of books.
Tragedy struck in December when Aaron was diagnosed.
Classmate Ben Cutrer posted about Aaron on his obituary page, commenting on how his friendship was important:
“In Gym at school when Aaron and I would go outside and play soccer or basketball we would often talk about movies. We did this often as we didn’t really know many other people in our class. … Makes me sad that he and I won’t be able to do that again. We miss you Aaron, more than you know.”
Aaron was well rounded and excelled in most anything he attempted. He was also a big brother, and looked after his sister, as a brother should. Pastor Jonathan Waits, who spoke at Aaron’s funeral, spoke of times when Aaron and hid sister attended vacation bible school at Central Baptist Church in Dinwiddie County. Waits said that Aaron always had an eye on his sister, and made sure she was always close enough by him so he could make sure she was OK.
Brenda Matthew, a previous teacher of Aaron’s, echoed this sentiment on his obituary web page.
“I taught Aaron when he was little. He always looked after his baby sister. I hated when he moved but knew it was for the best. His mother and I talked on how to address his giftedness in a new school system. Gone way too soon from earth. He was so gifted in reading and read far above his age group. Missed you then. And miss you now,” wrote Matthews.
Aaron is survived by his parents, Jerry “Anthony” and Melissa Durham, and his younger sister, Anna.
