The Life and Legacy of Mr. Devere Carlos Pride

Devere Pride was born on October 22, 1946, in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Percy and Annie Pride. He was raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Music became a major part of his life at an early age. He started playing the saxophone in junior high school and then switched to the bass. He was initially exposed to classical music, including formal studies with retired orchestra bass player and music instructor, Harry Borinoff, of the Cleveland Symphony. He eventually became proficient enough to make the Ohio All-State Orchestra. Though he initially played Rhythm and Blues music in high school, he soon discovered what would become one of the passions of his life – Jazz.

Devere moved to Huntsville in 1972. After a couple of years playing R&B, he put his bass down and began working at a series of jobs, including a long stint with Chrysler. Despite his self-imposed hiatus, music was always in his thoughts. By the early 1990's, he was busy performing in Huntsville and free-lancing around the Southeast. As a first-call bassist on the local scene, Devere played with a variety of renowned jazz musicians, including Randy Weston, Ellis Marcellus, Richie Cove, Fred Wesley, Jothan Collins, Tommy Stewart, Tommy Malone, Jonathan "Bo" Berry, Eddie "Spanky" Alford, Jean Yves, and many more.

Devere was also a long-time member of the Huntsville Symphony where he performed with Itzhak Perlman, Van Cliburn, Marvin Hamlisch, Yo-Yo Ma, and others. He also played in several Broadway-style productions in Huntsville, including "Annie Get Your Gun", "The Wiz", "Always", "Patsy" (Cline), and "Once Upon a Mattress". Devere also performed on numerous occasions at the W. C. Handy Festival in Florence, AL and the Jazz-In-June Festival in Huntsville, AL. He was also a member of the Rocket City Jazz Orchestra. In addition to performing and recording (his discography includes three outstanding releases, "As In a Morning Sunrise", "Spring Rain", and "Portraits".

Devere was also active as an educator at Oakwood University, Alabama A&M University, and the Valley Conservatory.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Willie Sue "Chick" Pride, his siblings, Darryl Pride, Lafeyette Pannell and Priscilla Pannell. A dedicated, respected, and much-loved artist, Devere is survived by: his loving wife, Sadie Pride; brothers, Elbert Pannell, Darnell Pannell (Cleveland, OH) a special nephew, Darryl Carlos Pride (Cleveland, OH); a special cousin, Patsy Harris (Chicago, IL), Vanessa McGlathery, Latarsha Ison, Rev. Gregory McGlathery, Elder Tim Brown, all of Huntsville, AL, Lori Jenkins; five stepchildren, Jermaine Crutcher (Vohnnie), Seretta Crutcher (Maurice), LaToya Crutcher (Rob), Kimberly Crutcher, Samuel Crutcher; five step grandchildren; five step great grandchildren; one godson, Christopher Perry; one daughter-in-law, six sisters-in-law; five brothers-in-law; a host of loving nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, cousins, and friends that will sadly miss him.

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Funeral service for Mr. Devere Carlos Pride will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 12 Noon at Little Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Church with Reverend Gregory McGlathery, eulogist and Reverend Dr. Jerry Crutcher officiating.  Interment will follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens.  Mr. Pride will lie in repose at Little Indian Creek P.B. Church one hour prior to funeral time.

Public viewing will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM  with family visitation from 5:00-7:00 PM at Nelms Memorial Funeral Home.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, TREES, ETC. -- Please consider using the following link to make a memorial donation:

https://donate.aacr.org/campaigns/In-Loving-Memory-of-Devere-Carlos-Pride

Live Streaming Go to:  Little Indian Creek P. B. Church Web-Site.