Family, friends honor teen
The Daily Herald does not photograph funerals without permission of the family except in extenuating circumstances, such as the death of a public official. In this case, we asked the family of Zamarri Doby for approval and when it was granted, we were as inconspicuous as possible in photographing the services.
Hundreds of friends, family members and classmates gathered Saturday to celebrate Zamarri Lamar Doby's too-short life, from his great sense of humor to his passion for football and basketball.
"We're not here for a funeral today," the Rev. Edward L. Phillips told mourners at Calvary Church near Naperville, "we're here for a homecoming."
As he spoke, a procession of mourners slowly filed past the open casket, many comforting one another with hugs.
Zamarri, a 16-year-old Waubonsie Valley High School junior, died last Sunday after he collapsed while playing basketball at Plainfield South High School.
Zamarri's death apparently was caused by a previously undetected heart defect, Will County Coroner Pat O'Neil has said. Authorities still are awaiting toxicology results.
"Everything's going to be all right. God hasn't made a mistake," Sister Sarah Foster told more than 400 people assembled inside the church. "Hold your head up," she said, "this young man is going to a better place."
Friends and family of the Aurora teen said Zamarri was known for his keen sense of humor and his love of basketball and football, both sports he played at Waubonsie. He was on the court playing for the AAU Illinois T-Wolves 16-and-under basketball team when he became ill.
A statement from officials with the T-Wolves organization said Zamarri's number, 35, will be retired in his honor. Several of his teammates, along with several of his classmates at Waubonsie Valley, were in attendance.
"I don't know where to start or what to say. I'm just lost for words," said his older sister, Nakedia House, reading from a statement published in the program for the service. "I know you're smiling down on us … I'm saying goodbye for now, but not forever."
Her voice cracking with emotion, his sister, Martessa Doby, also read from her message in the program: "Marri, you're loved as you can see and you will never be forgotten."
"We are so blessed to have had you in our lives and to carry you close to our hearts for 16 years. We loved you even before we knew you. From the moment we set you on your feet, you've stood solidly on the ground, growing in power and confidence with the strength to let others lean on you, when they've needed to. Even us…," read his mother Leatrice, on behalf of herself and Zamarri's father, Marvin.
The Rev. George Rayford, pastor at New Community Baptist Church in Aurora, where Zamarri attended services, remembered the youth's involvement.
"Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal … (Zamarri) served at the New Community Church for a while … he was a very, very kind-hearted young man… (God) only loans us to our parents for a little while. One day, He's coming for me and for you like he did for him."
Several other clergy members from New Community and Calvary also spoke.
After the service, a recessional service was held at Riverside Cemetery in Batavia.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Zamarri Doby Benefit Fund at any Old Second National Bank locations. Donations also may be mailed to the bank at 1230 N. Orchard Road, Aurora, IL 60506.