Mr. Erik Adrien Hailey

Erik Adrien Hailey was the firstborn child of Herman Rayburn and Jacqueline Angela Simmons Hailey and the first grandson of Leonard Luke and Juanita Jane Neblette Simmons and Herman and W. Elburne Hailey. Even from birth, he was an agreeable, personable child later nicknamed “Chummy Chase”, “Erik bo-berik”, “Er-bear,” and “Little” Erik.

At an early age, he accepted Christ as his savior and Lord at New Hope Baptist Church and never looked back! As an adult, he established membership at New Life In Christ and Living Word Fellowship Church. Erik described himself as a lover of God and a love your neighbor as yourself Christian. He served Christ until his unexpected departure from this earth on Thursday night, August 31, 2023.

As a child, Erik attended Saint Rose of Lima, Highland Heights, Saint James Episcopal Elementary schools, Clifton Middle School, and Booker T. Washington - High School for the Engineering Profession. After graduating in 1994, he attended Oklahoma State University and Texas Southern University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Math. Erik found one of his true calling, teaching mathematics in Spring ISD, Sheldon ISD, and Aldine ISD.

Erik has written a graphic novel, Make-Believe & A Hush Fell Over The Crowd, poetry, and other short stories. His digital design/art, clothing line, and wearable art allowed another avenue of expression. Erik used his talents as an amateur photographer to depict an interesting view of how to see God’s work in nature! Also, as a teacher, his manner of teaching Bible knowledge was engaging to both adults and students. In that regard, mentoring students was his second passion.

His love for Urban Christian, praise and worship, “old school R&B/hip hop,” " jazz, classical, reggae, atmospheric, instrumentals, and live music was unparalleled to his other pursuits. A purveyor of Digital Media had allowed Erik to pursue “liquid art” an extension of his canvas work. As a Podcaster - @Good English, his podcast featured genres of religious and jazz musicians. Known as a designer with a message, he had exhibits at different venues around Houston. As a faithful supporter of Black businesses, his loyalties for local artists and businesses, including his sister’s, was fierce.

Preceding him in his final journey were grandparents Leonard and Juanita Simmons, Herman and W. Elburne Hailey, cousins Christopher David Simmons and Patrina Nurse. He leaves with heavy hearts His mother and father, brother Damien Aaron Hailey, sister Alegna Rae Hailey( Matthew Wright), niece Melodi Rae Wright, nephew Nathanael Amiri Shelton and father David Shelton, aunts and uncle Connie Hicks, Gregory Simmons, Deborah Garcia, Rosemary Kearney (David), and Cynthia Henry; cousins Israel, David Jr., Konavis, Ahmad, Annette, Laurence(Talesha), Dustin, Darien (Brooke), Dahnaelle, Chaniqa, Queenie, Ja’ Nyla, Christiana, Ameris, Serena, Christian, Ahmayah, Bailey, Ashtyn, Deklen, Ireland, Lauryn, and Gina; and a host of beloved relatives and dear friends.