Demetra was born in Baytown, Texas and grew up in Barrett Station. She graduated from Crosby High School in 1985 and attended Prairie View A&M University for two years.
Demetra began to experiment with drugs and alcohol in her early teen years, which lead her life out of control. She has served time with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice three times due to her extensive drug use. On July 20, 2001, Demetra surrendered her life over to her Lord and Savior Christ Jesus and has never looked back.
Once released from prison on April 14, 2002, Demetra continued her quest for knowledge and a deeper relationship with God at the College of Biblical Studies. On July 13, 2013, she was ordained by the Crisis Chaplaincy of America (formerly Crisis Chaplaincy of Harris County) where she was grandfathered in for life.
In December 2013 she attended the International Christian Institute, where she graduated as a Certified Christian Counselor. She is an active member of the International Christian Chaplain Association (CCC 100-11404). Demetra is also a Certified Volunteer Chaplain Assistant for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, where she began volunteering in 2007 and where she and her husband conduct worship service. She is the founder of In His Care Ministries, Choices Recovery Group, and Mentors Matters which are being utilized in TDCJ Facilities.
Demetra is a firm believer that if you change the mind, you can change the man. She definitely agrees with Jesus on meeting people where they are concerning their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. She embraces the value of every soul that God allows her to encounter, knowing that it is an opportunity to sow a seed of change in their life.
Demetra is a faithful member of Tabernacle of Praise under the leadership of Pastor John Pyles Sr. in Houston, Texas. She is married to Rev. Rodney Durst , together they have 14 children and 15 grandchildren.
Demetra has valuable ties to her community, who partners with her to assist with meeting the needs of individuals that God has assigned to her life.