Obituary of DeAndre Jonathan Hayes, Sr.

Deandre’ Johnathan Hayes Sr. (DJ) born in Kalamazoo Michigan on November 18, 1971, to Sadie Gale Hayes and Nathaniel Johnathan Henry Silverman, peacefully, unexpectedly, fell asleep early Friday morning April 14, 2023.

DJ was raised in Kalamazoo, attended public schools, and graduated from Kalamazoo Central on June 7, 1989, where he excelled in Math, English, Science, Art, Geography, and Sports. He enjoyed football, he played football in high school and in college, and for all that knew him, he was a dedicated fan of the Dallas Cowboys since he was 6 years old. After High School, he attended Grand Rapids Junior College studying marketing, then later decided to go to KVCC to take business classes. Over time he trained and worked for Orkin, and Airborne Express, and currently employed by Flowserve as a Precision Assembler and was known for being dependable, reliable, responsible, and hardworking. A problem solver, often taking on challenges and unwanted tasks at work.

Deandre’ and Sareatha exchanged vows and spent the last 12 years of his life together, working to blend their family that he called “ The Great 8” Outside of work, he enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and watching football. DJ was well loved and respected, we will continue to love him as he was always happy with a big smile on his face, often sharing one of his wonderful hardy laughs.

He was preceded in death, by all 4 grandparents, Father-Nathaniel J Henry (Silverman) DJ leaves to cherish his memories; loving and devoted wife Sareatha Smith-Hayes, mother; Sadie Hayes, 3 sons; Deandre’J Hayes Jr. Dae’Lyn D Hayes, Davarius Williams; mother-in-law Kathleen Smith, grandmother-in-law; Susie Hughes; 5 stepchildren; Teyonna, Troy, Tyquan,

Tre’Von and Milah, 2 Grandchildren; Naya K. Hayes and Dasier D. Hayes, Special Sister; Kymyatta Bennett, 8 aunts, 5 uncles, a host of many great cousins, relatives, and many many friends. We will all miss my sunny boy. It
is hard to say “ until we meet again “but it’s good to know “ we can meet again “and “we plan to see you later”.