Zaire S. Gross

Zaire Gross-Burrill, born on November 19, 1987 in Washington D.C., was the first child of Darnay Gross-Simms And Kenneth S. Burrill. It didn’t take long for his family to realize that Zaire was very special. He was an inquisitive, fun loving, creative and very cheerful baby.During his 21 years on this earth, he touched many people with his humor, compassion, love wisdom and creative talents. He had a style and spirit that brought joy and laughter in the darkest of moments. But, he also knew when to be serious and focused.Zaire’s creativity had no walls. He was a writer, singer, dancer, actor and visual artist. He had an incredible thirst for knowledge in many fields. In fact one might consider him to be a modern day courtier with his cool mind, proper bearing and gestures, good voice that churned out beautiful, elegant and brave words and his knowledge of music, literature and current events.The depth and breath of his skills became evident while he was in middle school. In fact, by the time Zaire was 14 he had written two plays, over 20 poems and several short stories. He had, also performed in three stage plays produced by the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts: The Little House of Horrors, Pippin, and Les Miserables. Zaire was very personable. He loved to meet new people and his compassionate spirit made everyone feel comfortable. Zaire, with his family, moved to Columbia Maryland in time for him to begin high school. He was really excited about this move, which he called “ A Giant Step Forward,” he made his enthusiasm known. “ I am excited about the opportunity to attend Wilde Lake High School… I am anxious to be in an environment with teenagers from various backgrounds. I am confident that I will fit in. I get along well with others and have gained the respect of my peers as well as adults. This became evident when I was elected middle school president… I am sure that I will do well in a school environment that will prepare me for college and give me the opportunity to participate in drama and musical activities. Yes, I am ready to spread my wings!”And, spread his wings, he did! During his years at Wilde Lake, he learned to play the guitar, was elected president of the GSA, was a booster for the cheerleaders, was a talent/ fashion show organizer and participant, and was a member of the choir and theatre club. He was most proud of his role in Wilde Lake’s production of Seussical Musical, for which he received a Cappie nomination for best male vocalist in a high school musical.Performing was just one of his passions, Zaire was also interested in speaking out for the underserved, misunderstood and challenged. He loved bringing people together around controversial issues. Center Stage’s Encounter Program turned out to be a place where he could satisfy several of his passions. Zaire was a member of the Center Stage Encounter Program for four years. At Encounter, he truly spread his wings, writing, dancing, singing and choreographing poetry, songs and improvisational skits that addressed challenges and opportunities that teenagers and their families face. His association with Encounter gave him the opportunity to dance with the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange in Washington DC. The two groups used the performing arts to address issues related to hunger, risk-taking, abuse, violence, racism, genetics, war, dreams, etc. Last year Zaire co-hosted a weekly Internet talk show that addressed some of these same issues.Zaire began his post secondary education focusing on Theatre Arts at Howard County Community College. However, after working in the retail business he had decided to change his major, this fall, to Fashion Marketing.Zaire’s Facebook profile proudly displays his Christian orientation. He was baptized (christened) and received First Communion at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Baltimore Maryland. His Christian education was strengthened by his parents, family and St. Ambrose Catholic School in Baltimore, MD. Upon moving to Columbia he attended the Touch of Love Bible Church with his mother and brothers. We are confident that he is bring joy in God’s chamber to those who have preceded him home.Zaire is survived by his parents Darnay Gross- Simms and Kenneth S. Burrill; his siblings Tony and Kai Simms and Jasmine Burrill; his grandparents, Brenda E. Gross, Peggy Burrill and Doulas Burrill; his great-grand parents William and Consuela Gross; step-father Tony Simms; aunts and uncles, G. Joyce Hamer, Melva White, Nicol Singh, Phillip and Michelle Burrill, Clyde Dorsey, Cathryn Moore, Clarence Thompson, Lorraine Henson, and Oscar Walker, Many cousins and other relatives and friends such as Jerome Montague, Marla Moore, Elvera Kirk, Ernest Moore, Marcus Moore, Aurelia Davenport, Hope Roane, Keith and Lottie Dorsey, Rose Dorsey; James Henson, Jr., Michael Walker, Myasha Kirk, etc.

Tributes

Zaire S. Gross

November 19, 1987 - September 5, 2009