District mourns the passing of two members of Team HISD
Team HISD is mourning the recent passing of two employees, Femi Afolayan (Finance) and Michael Hayes (Nutrition Services).
Femi Afolayan
According to his coworkers, Afolayan’s genuine personality meant he never met a stranger. He was described as a father figure, big brother, uncle, but most importantly, a mentor and man of faith.
Femi Afolayan
“Femi often said that his co-workers were like his family,” said Sherrie Robinson, interim Chief Financial Officer. “He pushed his team to excel. He encouraged them to reach their goals – especially regarding education. If a team member was working on a degree, he was a big supporter.”
Afolayan, 52, cared as much about the district’s bottom line as he did his co-workers, and that dedication earned him Employee of the Month honors in November 2014. As a senior account manager, he was always working to ensure HISD’s financial interests were protected.
“He had a great sense of humor,” Robinson added. “We will miss his dance moves and his love of chicken pizza! He will be missed in our department. His passing leaves a big hole in our hearts.”
Michael Hayes
Hayes, 55, was a popular figure at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center’s Marketplace Café. Much of his interaction with fellow Team HISD members came from behind the grill station where he developed a reputation as a friendly and warm soul.
Michael Hayes
Tim Marsh, Operations Manager and Executive Chef for Nutrition Services’ Marketplace Café, said Hayes was well liked by both co-workers and those who came to visit him during breakfast and lunch service.
“Mike was a quiet individual until you got to know him and he let you in,” Marsh said. “Then you would see he had a lot of good stories and a good sense of humor. And he was truly interested in you and your family.”
Marsh also added that Hayes was always the first to volunteer to help, even if he was in the middle of another task. But his gentle, jovial personality will be sorely missed among his co-workers.
“Mike was a character,” Marsh said, “and I think that’s why we got along with each other. He was always good to tell a bad joke, too. And he would always laugh no matter how bad the joke was.”
The Hayes family requests flowers be sent to 7024 Knox St., 77091.
The funeral service is Saturday, July 16, at Harvest Time Church, 17770 Imperial Valley Dr. 77060.
Viewing is from 10-11 a.m., the service is 11 a.m.-noon, and burial will follow the service.
Both of these gentlemen exude caring hearts for all those who crossed their paths.
Their strong faith and genuine love for all made them the wonderful individuals they were and I am glad to have met them. Mr. Femi and Mr. Mike will be greatly missed!
So sad to hear of my close coworkers has passed they were two fine gentlemen praying for their families.
To Femi Afolayan: I will truly miss you! I’m honored to have worked for you and for you to mentor me. I will miss your smile and your morning Good mornings. I can say you are the best boss that I have ever had. Even though I mourn you I’m glad your in a better place.
I was shocked to hear of Michael’s passing. Michael would often share thoughts of healthier ways of eating and how he recently made changes to improve his health. He always offered a smile and was never too busy to assist whenever he saw the need. My condolences to his personal and work families. Michael is definitely missed.
Femi was such a great friend & inspirer when we worked together in the Controller’s Office. He would always tell me to keep my head and keep moving forward for not just myself but for my son. His door was always open and he was a great manager to contribute his skills in Enterprise Funds. I very deeply will miss him.
Michael always had a smile on his face and would tell me to smile and don’t let anything get you down. He would always tell a joke and talk about his hunting trips.
My condolences to both families and may God Bless you.
Femi, Femi, Femi
Thanks for your encouraging words and daily texts. I am going to miss you. Memories last forever. You will be greatly missed.
Words can not express the way I feel. My heart is crying but I know that you are in a better place. My only worry now is who is going to encourage me as you have done, Femi. Who can I act silly for a moment and you walk away like George Jefferson…lol There will never be another like you. Rest on my Mentor, my Friend, my Brother in Christ. Missing you dearly.
Mike was such a friendly and kind person who I had the pleasure to meet some years ago. He always had a smile even when you didn’t. When he see me coming he would say, “oh here comes trouble”. I will never forget you Mike, sleep peacefully.
Femi was my friend, my brother in a sense as he referred to me as “sis”. He was a great person, with a loving heart and beautiful spirit. He will sincerely be one of those people whose memory I will hold dear to my heart. I will cherish everything we shared dear Femi and will forever see that smile of yours as a pray for your children and family. With tears in my eyes and pain in my heart, I will sincerely miss my good friend.
Femi ,” I will truly miss you”!!!!!!!!!
Mr. Femi was a wonderful person with a beautiful spirit. Even when I could tell he wasn’t feeling his best he still had high spirits. It’s not everyday you meet someone in the workplace who genuinely cares about you and your well being as a person and not just a coworker . He would always push you to be the best “You” that you could be. I will truly miss his smile and his conversations. I will continue to pray for your family and all of those touched by your spirit. Rest easy my friend-
Mike was always so nice and attentive whenever he worked behind the grill. He was a joy to talk to and he always had a kind word for you and everyone he would meet. He was missed when they moved him to another location and he will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
I am extremely saddened to hear that we have lost two more members of our HISD family. Michael was special; always smiling, always pleasant. He was a great individual with a fun and spirit. His presence will truly be missed!! I extend heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.
Just now learning of Michael’s passing. We had many conversations about food each time I asked him to for a grilled vegi pattie sandwich. I have missed his presence.