The Memphis Flyer mourns the loss of Hailey Thomas, a dedicated member of the Contemporary Media sales team. Hailey represented both the Flyer and Memphis magazine brilliantly, and we will miss her bright, strong light. Her colleagues shared these memories of Hailey.
Hailey loved college sports, and relished March Madness. She won at least one office pool, but had the decency to only remind me with a wink and a smile now and then. I loved trying to figure out the Tigers’ latest challenge with her, or discussing how the next freshman would make THE difference in a Final Four run. Mostly, I welcomed Hailey’s enthusiasm, the human quality that transfers easiest. She made me happier whenever we crossed paths, even after the latest Tiger season ended short of the Final Four. She’ll continue to make me happy, though now with a lump in my throat. — Frank Murtaugh
I’ve been involved with the Flyer for almost 30 years, and I’ve learned that our little corner of journalism tends to attract very unusual people. Sometimes I think we must seek them out. Even so, if we ran a photo of any of my other colleagues with a large white parrot perched on their shoulder, the sun reflected in their aviator sunglasses, I’d think, “What … in the world?” But with Hailey Thomas, my immediate reaction is, “Yep, that’s Hailey.” No questions needed — just a day in the life of one of the most interesting, fun, and funny people I’ve ever known. It’s not enough to say she was one-of-a-kind. She had a definite spark about her. Hailey would light up the room with her smile, and even on my darkest days, she would make me laugh. She was my friend, and I will miss her — and her brilliant smile and her unforgettable laugh — forever. — Michael Finger
I knew Hailey Thomas for 30 years, beginning back when she started selling ads for Memphis magazine in the late 1990s. We were work friends, yes, but we also had many mutual friends outside of the workplace and I always looked forward to running into her, wherever it might happen. In recent years, that occurred almost literally, as Hailey’s running trails and my dog-walking route frequently overlapped on the sidewalks of Midtown around the noon hour. We would always stop and chat for a few minutes, before Hailey pulsed that 1,000-watt smile and took off.
That smile! That smile is what everyone will take from their memories of Hailey. It was a smile that made you feel good, like you mattered, and it always came with a dash of mischief, like somehow you both shared a secret. I will miss the spark of life and laughter that was Hailey Thomas, too soon gone. — Bruce VanWyngarden
Hailey was an undeniable presence in any room she entered — sometimes literally. If someone else sat at the head of our conference table before she got to a meeting, Hailey would stare them down (smiling, of course) until they ceded the chair to her. It was very hard to tell her ‘no’ — I imagine our clients felt the same! I only had the pleasure of knowing her for a few years, but I’ll remember her for many more. She was super-charged with energy, curiosity, and zany humor. And never shy to share an opinion. Whenever we asked for new ideas or suggestions — expecting crickets — Hailey would offer four or five. She was an original, and I will miss her undeniable presence. — Anna Traverse Fogle
Whenever my band had a gig, Hailey was there to cheer and support me. She always made a concerted effort to attend my band’s shows. Not only that, she would bring her entourage. She was outgoing, eager to meet and greet, and to introduce me to her friends and acquaintances. Hailey was a cheerful beacon of light. — Chip Googe
I’m determined to remember Hailey as a fiery, spirited, beautiful person, quick-witted and always ready to flash a glowing, dimpled smile as she walked into any room, wearing a casual but chic designer ensemble (purchased at the most amazing price possible, of course) and holding either a coffee or a cold-pressed juice — nah, it’s probably a glass of wine.
Cheers to my friend of at least the past two decades! I’m missing her so — her zest for life, her eternal energy, and her fun-loving heart. Rest in peace, Hailey Thomas, as fit, young, tan, and gorgeous as ever. — Kelli deWitt
I’ve known Hailey Thomas for at least 40 years. She was always cheerful. Always upbeat. I always thought she looked like she could be the twin of actress Dyan Cannon, one of my favorite movie stars from 1970s.
Like everyone I’ve talked to, it’s unfathomable to think Hailey is gone. — Michael Donahue
Loved Hailey. She was the most accessible mood-booster we had, bar none. Loved her smile. Admired her running chops. An irreparable loss. — Jackson Baker
