Memories of Chris: A Life Well Lived

What this episode covers

This podcast is a tribute to my cousin who passed on June 21, 2022. He was 48 years old. A reminder of the importance of family, being a light in the life of others despite challenges and leaving a legacy that will remain long after you leave this earth. Robert Christopher Hayman, affectionately known as “Chris” and as Benny Khalid by some, was born March 28, 1974, in Philadelphia, PA to Tamara Hayman Streets and Robert Freeman, Jr. He was the oldest of five children. Chris was educated in the Philadelphia school system and always had a stand out personality which allowed him to have many friends in every part of Philadelphia. At West Philadelphia High School, Chris played football and excelled as a player. He also liked playing basketball in the neighborhood and was a huge fan of the Philadelphia 76ers. In his earlier years, he attended Sunday school at Trinity Baynton United Methodist Church, where he participated in Children and Youth Ministries, sang on the Youth Choir and served as an Usher and Acolyte. During his adult years he became a Muslim, following their doctrine. During his teenage years, he was first diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. Throughout his life he was managing his health. While waiting for a kidney transplant, other health issues arose. God allowed him to cope with these challenges and live an active life. Chris held many positions during his life including: street paver, machine operator, warehouse worker, laborer, supervisor and as a food preparer. He was dependable and a hard worker until his health declined. He always had aspirations of becoming a nurse. Chris loved to care for those who were ill and who needed constant attention. He was a caregiver for his grandmother Mary Freeman who predeceased him. He also assisted his mother with the care of his stepfather, Cyrus Streets, who predeceased him. He always went the extra mile to make sure that those for whom he cared were comfortable and knew that they were loved. Although he was unable to accomplish his nursing goal, he was proud of his daughter Khaleeyah, who is now studying in the medical field. Chris was a father of three sons and a daughter whom he truly loved. His passion for children and youth led him to discover his desire to connect and share his life story with them. He had a distinctive style and was always on the cutting edge of urban fashion from his sneaker collection, caps, hoodies and coats. He would always make a lasting impression. His vision was to create a clothing brand to highlight different sections of the City of Philadelphia. He was excited about this project and it was well received by family and friends. Chris had a gigantic heart filled with love and affection for his family and friends. In spite of his declining health, he remained the same thoughtful, kind and considerate person his friends and family knew and loved. Attending family events, and having conversations with his children, family and friends, allowed him to be in his element. Despite his untimely passing at age 48, his kindness, tenacity and resilience will always be remembered, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts. This important link in our family’s chain is broken; but we remember fondly and cherish his positive, lasting impact on our lives. Robert “Chris” Hayman, aka Benny Khalid, is survived by: his Mother, Tamara Streets; Father Robert Freeman, Jr.; his three sons: Khalid, Kaazim and Sultan Hayman; one daughter, Khaleeyah Hayman; those to whom he was like a father: David and Deshana Evans, Sakai Smith and Ainyae Johnson; his four sisters: Tyhisha McBride (and husband Anthony), Anique, Sharell and Joy Hayman; his stepbrothers: (Big) Cyrus, (Little) Cyrus Streets; one stepsister, Keyanna Streets; two grandsons: Ibn Khalid and La’Meere Hayman; his longtime companion, Shafon Smith; his special aunts and uncles: Sydney and Sylvia Freeman, Glenn Freeman, Laurence and Marilyn Mason; sister cousin, Charlene Brisbane and a host of other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.