Vernice Bryan, Nashville Real Estate Pioneer, Dies

Vernice McGregor Bryan, a pioneering Realtor, died Saturday, April 25 at the age of 84 after suffering a heart attack. Vernice was among the first Nashville women to blaze into the real estate profession and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who prioritized family above all. Vernice’s family circle was wide and always growing as she made room for so many – especially young Realtors seeking to be mentored, or young families needing help buying their first home.

A native of Coffee County, Tennessee, Vernice was predeceased by her husband Oakley W. Bryan; her son Dale M. Bryan and her parents Howard and Gladys McGregor. She is survived by her children Kathleen Bryan Thompson, Richard F. Bryan and Maria (Chole) Hernandez; her grandsons, Chad Bryan, Tanner Bryan, Bryan Thompson (wife Dana Blond Thompson) & Eric Thompson.

Due to her hard work and business acumen, when Vernice entered real estate in 1973 she immediately excelled and loved the profession. She was a top producer with Fridrich & Clark Realty for 30 years, the firm she affiliated with in 1990. At Fridrich & Clark, she recruited and mentored her son Richard Bryan into the business. Together they forged a partnership that has brought the dream of homeownership to thousands of families throughout middle Tennessee. Vernice’s daughter Kathleen is also part of the Bryan team.

Vernice first began her real estate career with longstanding Nashville firm Dobson & Johnson. Always interested in education, Vernice entered the workforce as a young mother, having taught at Cumberland High School for over ten years.

A perennial top sales person, in 1986, Vernice received the “Lifetime Award of Excellence” from the Greater Nashville Realtors. She won numerous other real estate honors and achieved CRS and GRI certifications from the National Association of Realtors.

Vernice Bryan had equal parts spunk and spark. She was compassionate and generous – always interested in helping others in need and sharing her ideas and opinions. Quick with a quip, she also had the ability to say much with just one glance from her twinkly, knowing eyes.

Vernice cherished her many friends from all phases of life who provided laughter, strength and so many wonderful memories. These include her Blakemore church family, Stephanie Hollis & Rachel Cothern, Monica Baker, Gloria Riches and her many friends from Fridrich & Clark and Dobson & Johnson. Vernice’s family would especially like to thank her loyal companion Chole Hernandez and Dr. Karl Vandevender.

In lieu of flowers contributions to honor Vernice may be made to Blakemore United Methodist Church, 3601 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37205

Due to the limitations of these times, the family welcomes those who wish to join in a funeral procession that will pass by Vernice’s home. Please meet at Hillwood High School Bus Parking Lanes on Hickory Valley Rd between 2-2:15 on Friday, May 1st. The family will wait at the end of her driveway to honor Vernice’s memory with all.