Detroit Public Schools mourns Tyrone Winfrey Sr., a 'soldier of student education'

Tyrone Winfrey Sr., described by colleagues as a lifelong advocate, leader, and liaison for Detroit's children, died Saturday after battling cancer, the Detroit Public Schools Community District announced Monday.

He was 63.

"Mr. Winfrey always served with students first, he loved all of the students in Detroit and he worked to ensure they had the best possible experiences and opportunities to prepare them for success; he was an extraordinary colleague and a true friend for many," the district wrote in a statement.

Winfrey served as executive director of community outreach for the district. Before that, Winfrey held the roles of president and vice president of the Detroit Public School Board from 2006 to 2011 and held various roles at the state-run Education Achievement Authority of Michigan from 2011 to 2017, the district said

"From making personal donations, supporting families in need, supporting athletics, working to place students in higher education, building relationships, and to most recently asking all DPS/DPSCD alumni to Come Home to support our children in this district, Tyrone had a heart of gold," the district said.

Winfrey also worked for years in admissions and outreach at both the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, helping many Detroit students get into college.

And 2017, Winfrey launched Le Tour Detroit, a local bus tour company that exposed many to city landmarks and historical sites, the district said.

"If you have ever had the privilege and honor to get a daylong guided tour with Mr. Winfrey in his Cadillac, consider yourself lucky," the district wrote.

"He loved the city, he loved his family and his extended family — Detroit's children. He would pray fervently for their safety and, with that same strength, he would fight for their rights in and out of the classroom. He would often say, 'For the children, repeat your name, we just gotta do it. Let's make it happen, y'all.'"

In a recent promotional video for the district's alumni weekend in May, Winfrey repeatedly spoke of his love for the city and for the district.

"I just cannot say enough about what this district has meant to me and my family," he said. "This is my home. I love this city, I love this district."

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According to Winfrey's LinkedIn page, he had been involved with youth development since 1985. The district described Winfrey as a lifelong learner and leader, "a legend," and a "soldier of student education."

Winfrey graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1977. He earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Wyoming and then a master's degree in education at Wayne State University.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan called Winfrey a "tireless advocate" of education for Detroit children.

"Many attribute their success at the University of Michigan to Tyrone and his strong passion for equal access to higher education. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on in the lives of those he helped to build a brighter future," Duggan said in a statement.

Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington posted a solemn message to Facebook about his friend's death over the weekend.

"My dear friend has gotten his wings. Tyrone Winfrey Sr., his soul now rests with Jesus," Washington wrote. "Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not Heal."

District officials said during his battle with cancer, Winfrey sought to keep his colleagues positive and focused, with conviction in his voice, even as it grew weak.

Winfrey is survived by his wife, Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey, three children and grandchildren.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit educator Tyrone Winfrey Sr. dies at age 63