Categories: CharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Detroit Family Honors Daughter’s Memory at Graduation Ceremony

A poignant moment at the graduation ceremony honoring the memory of a young COVID-19 victim.

News Summary

A Detroit family commemorated their daughter Skylar Herbert, Michigan’s youngest COVID-19 victim, during a heartfelt graduation ceremony. Skylar, who passed away at age five, was honored by her parents at University Preparatory Academy as they navigated their pain while celebrating what would have been her 5th-grade graduation. The event highlighted the ongoing grief of the Herbert family, who strive to keep their daughter’s memory alive through various tributes and support initiatives, including a memorial fund for children’s wellness.

Detroit – A Detroit family commemorated the memory of their daughter, Skylar Herbert, the youngest COVID-19 victim in Michigan, during a heartfelt graduation ceremony at University Preparatory Academy on June 11. This event marked what would have been Skylar’s 5th-grade graduation, a poignant moment for her parents, Ebbie and Lavondria Herbert, as they navigated their grief while attending a celebration they had long anticipated.

Skylar Herbert tragically passed away on April 19, 2020, at the tender age of five while in kindergarten. Her parents endured a challenging emotional experience at the ceremony, feeling the void left by their daughter as they watched other children celebrate their accomplishments. Even as the pandemic has receded, the grief from losing their child remains a central part of the Herbert family’s everyday life.

Ebbie Herbert spoke about the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 symptoms at the pandemic’s onset. Skylar became ill shortly after the pandemic was declared and spent three heartbreaking weeks in the hospital before succumbing to a rare form of meningitis and brain swelling linked to the virus. This experience changed the family’s life forever, underscoring the unpredictability and severity of the illness, particularly among young children.

During the graduation ceremony, Skylar’s former kindergarten teacher fondly shared memories of the young girl’s infectious spirit, reminding attendees of the joy she brought to those around her. Her parents take comfort in remembering Skylar through various means, including Ebbie Herbert’s tattoo that serves as a permanent tribute to their beloved daughter. This tattoo, despite his fear of needles, holds deep significance for Ebbie, symbolizing the deep love he continues to feel for Skylar.

The Herbert family has made concerted efforts to ensure Skylar’s memory persists in their lives. They frequently discuss stories about her and incorporate her favorite color, red, into their daily routines. Additionally, they have commissioned a teddy bear in her honor as a reflection of her love for stuffed animals, creating a tangible reminder of her presence in their home.

However, the journey of healing has been complicated. Lavondria Herbert has faced her own health obstacles, including a diagnosis of breast cancer in January 2024. Despite her health challenges, she reflects on the devastation caused by the loss of her daughter, asserting that it is a pain far beyond that experienced from her illness.

In the aftermath of Skylar’s passing, the Herbert family has experienced a continuing struggle; they describe each day as a challenge, yet they strive to live as Skylar would have wished. Their commitment to honoring her life has led them to establish a memorial fund through Chemical Bank, intended to support causes related to children’s health and wellness. This fund exists independently of any unauthorized fundraising efforts, reflecting their desire to ensure that Skylar’s legacy is remembered and celebrated appropriately.

The heartbreaking tale of the Herbert family echoes the broader challenges that many faced during the pandemic, particularly regarding the impact of COVID-19 on children and families. Although the pandemic has officially ended, the consequences of such losses linger, illustrating the need for continued awareness and support for grieving families.

As the graduation ceremony concluded, the Herbert family’s resolve to keep Skylar’s spirit alive was evident. They continue to face each day with resilience, navigating their pain while ensuring that the essence of their daughter remains a guiding light in their lives.