Skyla Monet Durrly

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Revelation 21:4 (NKJV)

With hearts full of love and gratitude for the gift of her life, we celebrate the beautiful life of Skyla Monet Durrly, affectionately known as Pumpkin, Mamas, Cheeks, Toot and Budda. Skyla was born on July 10, 2014, in Joliet, Illinois, and on July 27, 2026, at the age of 12, she peacefully gained her wings surrounded by the love of her family.

From the very beginning, Skyla brought an immeasurable amount of love, joy, and light into the lives of everyone who knew her. Though her journey was not always easy, she faced each day with a quiet strength that inspired all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life was a beautiful reflection of perseverance, unconditional love, and unwavering faith.

Skyla had a remarkable way of touching hearts without ever speaking a word. Her smile, expressions, and unique personality spoke volumes, leaving lasting memories with family, friends, caregivers, and everyone blessed to be part of her life. She reminded us to celebrate life's simplest moments, to love deeply, and to never take a single day for granted.

While our hearts grieve the loss of her physical presence, we find comfort in knowing that Skyla is no longer bound by the struggles of this world. She is whole, she is healed, and she now rests peacefully in the loving arms of Jesus. Though her time on earth was far too short, the love she shared and the legacy she leaves behind will live on forever in the hearts of all who loved her.

While many saw her disabilities, those who truly knew Skyla saw so much more.

She had a personality that could light up an entire room without saying a single word.

Skyla loved music, especially gospel music that filled her home. She found comfort in hearing the voices of those she loved and would respond to voices she recognized. She absolutely adored her favorite television show, Bluey, and never went anywhere without her beloved pink teddy bear. Every year she would love taking our trips to Wisconsin Dells; although she was unable to swim, she still enjoyed the time she had there. She loved we mommy would read to her; she loved the songs Mommy would sing and make up with her. Purple and pink were her favorite colors, reflecting the sweetness that surrounded her.

Every morning, one of the highlights of her day was receiving hugs and kisses from her siblings before they left the house. At night, she looked forward to Mommy's hugs, kisses, and listening to sleep Psalms before falling asleep peacefully.

Anyone who cared for Skyla quickly learned that she was in charge. New nurses didn't simply earn a position—they earned Skyla's trust. She had a special way of testing every new nurse to make sure they were confident enough to care for her. In true Skyla fashion, one nurse even quit after her very first day. Once she accepted someone, however, she loved them deeply. Her nurses, Christine and Mimi, held a very special place in her heart, and she never hesitated to show them, even in the simplest gesture of a smile, just how much they meant to her. Skyla touched hearts like none other; so much so that she gained more family. Regina Hendrickson, she became an adopted grandma not just to Skyla but to all the kids, loving them all unconditionally. She showed love like no one could ever imagine once she came into her life. Every single time Skyla would hear her voice, she would light up. That girl loved her newly found grandma down. She also had another favorite person, Tyasia Morse, they had a bond like no other. Ty having full blown conversations with her, and her being so kind and nurturing to Skyla. Ty was very particular about making sure she gave Skyla the very best care that adopted TT could, and she did such an amazing job at doing so. But most importantly, Skyla’s mom Sparkle Durrlyshe was the world to her from her very first breath, taking care of her diligently, showing her unconditional love. If it wasn’t for her, nobody would have been able to take care of Skyla. She knew Skyla like no other; her likes and her dislikes, what would make her smile and what wouldn’t, how she liked to be positioned; she knew her in and out. Everyone who stepped through that door all were trained by her. She was her advocate, her voice, her nurse, her shoulder to cry on; she was her mommy. God blessed us all with the presence of Skyla and knew Sparkle was the right person for the job of taking care of her through every battle, every late night, every sickness, and hospital stays. God makes no mistakes, which is why we will continue to praise his name and trust him through it all.

Skyla's life inspired countless people. Her courage reminded others to keep fighting, her resilience encouraged those who were losing hope, and her smile brought comfort to everyone blessed enough to know her. Though she was nonverbal and visually impaired, she communicated in ways words never could. Love was her language, and she spoke it beautifully.

Skyla leaves behind to cherish her precious memory her devoted mother, Sparkle Durrly; her father, Willie Sims; her loving siblings, Jeremiah Durrly, Amora Sims, and Giovonni Durrly; her grandparents, Deborah Coleman, Pamela Willis, Willie Sims Sr.,her uncles and aunts, William and Dischone Hosey, Joseph and Ericka Hicks, Joshua Durrly, Rondell and Danielle Ray, and Terrell and Jessica Ray, her adopted family Regina Hendrickson, and Kennedy Hendrickson; Tyasia Morse, Eddie Mae Carteralong with countless cousins, extended family members, devoted caregivers, friends, and everyone whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Eugene Durrly, and her great-grandparents, Ruby Grier and David Grier.

Although our hearts ache beyond words, we find comfort knowing Skyla is no longer fighting for every breath. She is whole. She is healed. She is running freely in the presence of her Heavenly Father, where there is no pain, no suffering, and no limitations—only everlasting love and joy.

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