Cheryl Sue (Michels) Durham

Cheryl Michels Durham, 55 went to be with Jesus, her Lord and Savior, Sunday March 1st at home surrounded by her family. She battled multiple myeloma for 18 years. Although her body finally gave way to the cancer, “she ran with perseverance the race marked out for her, with her eyes fixed on Jesus.”  She battled with fierce determination, grace, and beauty. She was a true warrior. No stones left unturned, no treatment, clinical trial, or medication left untried. She gave her all for the hope of spending a little more time with those she loved. Her bravery and will to live were watched with amazement by those of us lucky enough to witness her journey.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband and best friend Jim Durham, her children Emily Durham, Benjamin Durham (Savannah), and Tyler Durham, her parents Ron and Kathy Michels, her siblings, Cindy Graehler (John), John Michels (Rose), Andrew Michels, Ann Marie McDermott (Wes), Patrick Michels (Theresa), and Joseph Michels (Victoria), sister in law Linda Proffitt (Jim), many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.  Cheryl put great emphasis on the importance of family, and she constantly put their needs ahead of her own. The bond she shared with her sisters was truly special.

Cheryl met Jim in 1990, and they quickly became inseparable while enjoying many adventures together. They married June 1st, 1996. She worked as a registered nurse at Brownsboro Road Nursing Home, Hurstbourne Care Center, and Baptist Hospital. She truly found her calling as she was a gifted and caring nurse. Her disease forced her to retire in 2014. She poured her heart and soul into raising their children. She was their biggest cheerleader, their gentle and loving critique, quick to their defense, and the first one to say I love you. Many years were spent cheering them on from the sidelines as they excelled at their sports. With her health and eyesight failing, she would cheer from home as Jim would give her play by play of Tyler’s races over the phone. Cheryl loved the beach and the family traveled there as much as possible, especially to Destin, Florida. Life was better in the sun and Cheryl was always in search of the perfect beach trip. We are so thankful that she is now truly in Paradise. She will be remembered for her warm and beautiful smile, her kind and generous heart, and the love she poured out to all of us. Everyone she had contact with became her friend. She will be missed beyond what words can describe, but we find hope in knowing that we will be united again in heaven and watch in amazement as God’s good and perfect plan is unveiled.

The family would like to thank the many doctors involved in her care over the years, especially Dr. Don Stevens with Norton Oncology, and Dr Yasin with the UofL Brown Cancer Center. We are grateful for the bond we formed over the last several months with the nurses at UofL 5 east infusion. Thank you, Laura, Maggie, Brie, and Stephanie, for the compassionate care you provided for Cheryl.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cheryl Sue (Michels) Durham, please visit our floral store.