Herman D Brady

Herman Devereaux Brady, age 85, transitioned from this life on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. He was born on July 9, 1939 in Johnson City, Tennessee, to Charles Brinson Brady and Luella Saliard Brady. He is preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers, Charles, Thomas, Milton, Willie, Virgil, Eddie, Andrew, James and Walter. 

He graduated from Langston High School, class of 1957, in Johnson City, where he was a member of the football team. After serving in the United States Army and being honorably discharged, Devereaux attended Tennessee State University (TSU) where he obtained both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Communications. He also worked as a concrete brick layer between semesters with his well-known family business in Johnson City. 

Devereaux’s professional life was dedicated to the theater program at TSU where he was an integral part of growing the reach and reputation of the fledgling department. Professor Brady was employed for 33 years, teaching numerous communications courses, designing set lighting, building stage scenery and directing high-quality dramatic productions at the University alongside his good friend W. D. Cox and under the tutelage of Dr. Thomas Poag. He was much respected and loved by the many students he taught and mentored to enhance their lives in theatrical activities. Upon retirement in 2001, Devereaux was awarded the “Highest Appreciation Award” by then TSU President, Dr. James A. Hefner. In October 2021, he was honored as a distinguished Alumnus during Tennessee State University's Homecoming festivities.

Devereaux welcomed daughter Erica Brady in March of 1969. He then met and married Grace L. McAllister in July 1972 and their union produced Miguel Johann Devereaux Brady and Marissa Louise Brady. The couple also raised Sonya Cherese McAllister. He was a loving, supportive, generous and wise father and caretaker.

Mr. Brady was an active member of Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church where he sang in the choir, served as van driver, and provided spirit-filled performances of his favorite volume of poetry, “God's Trombones”, authored by James Weldon Johnson.

In his spare time, Devereaux affectionately known as “Bo Hog”, engaged in several hobbies: gardening, wine making and woodworking. He also constantly maintained a delightful floral collection on his front porch. He was always ready to share one of his famously delicious sweet potato pies around each holiday and family gathering.

Devereaux leaves to cherish his memories, Grace McAllister Brady, former wife, his children, Erica, Miguel (Otanthia), Marissa and Sonya; grandchildren, Jelani Ford, Danitrius Swopes (Alex; child), Jabari Armstead, Xavier Swopes, Dominique Brady, Desa Jones, and Rayn Sharkey; as well as great grandchildren, Amari Swopes-Hakima, Gabrielle Cevis, as well as great niece Jessica Brady, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

The family of Deveraux would like to acknowledge the love and special care provided by his great niece, Jessica; Wanda, Yolanda, Daryl, during his final years at home as well as in Hospice.