Demetrius Merrill

Demetrius Merrill was born into the life of Sharon Bolden on May 8, 1993 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the eldest of three children. The bond with his devoted mother and treasured sisters, Jada Atkins and Maysa Pratt was incredibly strong.

Demetrius valued his family and spending time with his older uncles as a young cat was priceless to him. The family called him “Man-Man”.

He attended Chicago Vocational Career Academy and being very tactile led him to working in the construction industry.

Man-Man loved to eat and it was a known fact you had better hide your leftovers in the fridge.

He was often in a constant meditative state as he planned his next moves. He loved to chill and listen to music. D-Boy as his friends and acquaintances would call him was known for saying “man, you tweaking, just chill out”.

On September 2, 2010, Demetrius’ world would change forever with the birth of his only child, Lauren Simone Burke. These two were inseparable. She was spoiled endlessly and the word “No” didn’t exist for her. Whether it was allowing her to eat whatever she wanted or not, observing her bedtime curfew; daddy’s girl could stay up all night with him if that’s what she wanted. Her favorite words are, “My daddy said…”

Many may have misunderstood or prejudged the cover of his book with his tattoos and locs. However, if you spent any time perusing the pages or even reading a chapter you would understand just how manner-able, respectable, outgoing and sometimes reserved with a quiet soul that was deep and unforgettable.

On September 2, 2015, life as we knew it and the future we anticipated was changed forever as our Demetrius’ life was brought to a careless abrupt end.

His life, legacy and love will live on through the hearts of his precious daughter Lauren S. Burke, dedicated mother Sharon Bolden, beloved sisters Jada Atkins and Maysa Pratt, grandmothers Joanne Johnson and Vetress Voyce, grandfather Darrell Johnson, uncles Darrell II, Darren and Devon, aunts Deva, Precious and Teresa, godmother Darlene and aunts LaTrina, Edwina and Darice, auntie Bonnie and uncle Buddy, his friend and Lauren’s mother Dazhia, father figures Calvin Atkins and Terrance Pratt and a host of other relatives and friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Kenny Brothers Funeral Directors, Evergreen Park, IL.