Herbert Wellington DeBerry

Herbert Wellington DeBerry, age 94, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2023, in Nashville TN. Nurtured by a Christian family, he accepted Christ at an early age. He was born to the late Abner (Shab) and Cleora DeBerry Sr. and he received his secondary education in Denmark TN. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 until 1953.  In addition, he earned a Bachelor’s degree at Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, a Master’s Degree from the University of Denver, Denver, CO, and his Doctorate in Education from Columbia University, New York, NY.  He also pledged the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity while at TSU.

Herbert’s service and leadership in education progressed from a teacher at Denmark High School in Madison County to various roles at New York City College and ultimately retiring as Dean of Student Affairs at Hudson County Community College in Jersey City, New Jersey. After retiring, he returned to Nashville and accepted several part-time temporary roles at Tennessee State University, and during the months of the year he spent in Puerto Rico he would sometimes substitute-teach in the San Juan public school system. He loved his family, education and learning. He also occasionally found time to audit technology courses at Nashville State Community College.

Herbert was an exercise enthusiast and he continued to swim regularly until age 90.  He loved to travel and explore new experiences. His travels were extensive and included a number of Olympic Games and World Fairs across the continents.  

He was proceeded in death by his parents, his older brother Abner Bond DeBerry, Jr., and his nephew Abner B. DeBerry III, and half-brother Leroy Wilson. He leaves to cherish his memory:  daughter Margaret Brown, grandchildren, Hiram Brown, and Haili Meckens (Landon) and great grandchildren:  Alexis Brown, Adriah Zaika, and Hiram Brown,Jr,  Landon Belle and Harper Paige.   Nieces: Patricia (Hiriam) Gates, Karen DeBerry and Nephews: Herbert ‘Butch’ (Peaches) DeBerry, Ronald DeBerry, and a host of other relatives and friends.