Henry Brayboy

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
On September 6, 2018 Henry Brayboy (affectionately known as Hank) peacefully transitioned to eternal
life after a long illness.
Henry Brayboy was born on October 21, 1939 to the late Jesse and Dessie Brayboy in Aiken, South
Carolina. He was the tenth of 15 children born of their union.
Henry was introduced to Jesus Christ at a young age and was baptized and attended Thankful Grove
Baptist Church. He was educated in the Aiken, South Carolina Public School System. After he
completed his formal education, he relocated to Philadelphia, PA where he would join some of his older
siblings who had relocated prior to him.
Once in Philadelphia, his first job was at Horn and Hardart’s Restaurant. He left there to begin his career
in construction for Laborers International Local 135 (Norristown, PA) which lasted over 30 years. He
was a hard worker and as a result, he advanced to the ranks of “Foreman” before retiring in 2000. He
was instrumental in helping a number of family members and friends get their start in the construction
business. He would tell his youngest brother, Leroy (Bo), “Bo get up, I got a job for you!” Because of
Henry’s persistence and his efforts to keep his brother working, Leroy enjoyed a long career in the
business and was able to retire at the young age of 53.
Henry was the father of three sons. He was married and divorced twice, both times, to the late Eunice
Coar. In spite of this, they had a very special bond.
Hank worked hard but also loved to have a good time. He was also quite the ladies man. The inside
family joke was that his sisters couldn’t bring a friend around because Hank would sweet talk them all.
Henry loved to fish and garden. He’d have a couple urban gardens in the city where he grew vegetables
during the summer. He loved watching sporting events on television and was also a fan of the old
westerns …Gunsmoke, Wyatt Earp, Bonanza, etc. and would watch them for hours. He was a free spirit
and fun loving guy who would keep you laughing; but make no mistake Hank could be a piece of work
when he wanted to be.
He was very close to his siblings and would visit them regularly. Once his health began to fail him, he
didn’t get around much anymore; but could still be found at his sister Ethel or Thelma’s house sitting
quietly.
Henry leaves to cherish his memory, his sons: Butera Paul, Steven Paul and Shawn Thomas Brayboy
Love all of Philadelphia, PA. His Grandchildren. His sisters, Thelma Cobbs, Ethel Johnson and Hattie
Smith of Philadelphia, PA and Cora (Ben) Trowell of Aiken, SC and brother, Leroy (Diane) Brayboy of
Philadelphia, PA. His niece and caretaker, Jamie Smith and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and
friends.