October 12, 1931 - May 6, 2024
Reverend John D. Bradley Sr. peacefully passed away on May 6, 2024, at his residence in Neptune, New Jersey, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on October 12, 1931, in Statesboro, Georgia, to A.J. Bradley and Grace Lovett Bradley. John attended William James School and Statesboro Industrial High School in his hometown.
Following the untimely demise of his father when he was only fourteen years old, John made the decision to serve in the military after completing his high school education. In January 1949, he enlisted in the Army branch of the military. He underwent basic training at Fort Dix, NJ, and subsequently pursued advanced training. It was during his leave in 1950 that John encountered the love of his life, Lucille Jones, and they exchanged vows in 1952. Together, they were blessed with ten children. Although they relocated from Statesboro, GA, John cherished the annual tradition of returning with his family to visit his birthplace. Throughout their lives, they embarked on numerous journeys spanning over 22 years, exploring various parts of the world.
Following his retirement, John was offered a position as an office manager at the esteemed Opportunities Industrialization Center (O.I.C) of New York and Philadelphia, a renowned black-owned company founded by Leon Isaac Sullivan. While working in New York, he was honored with the Black Achievers for Industry award in 1978 by the Harlem Branch YMCA. Subsequently, he became the director of the first vocational school owned by African Americans, which was a part of O.I.C's School division spanning across the five bureaus of New York and Philadelphia. After a year, he relocated his family from Brooklyn, New York, and settled in Neptune, New Jersey. Despite continuing to work in New York, he commuted back and forth from New Jersey. Eventually, he retired in 1982.
In 1988, John and his wife Lucille embraced the role of foster parents, caring for several children until 2010. During this period, they dedicated their lives to serving the Lord and were ordained as Ministers of the Gospel. They established the True Vine King Priest Ministries in Asbury Park, New Jersey, where they shared the teachings of the Word of God. John and his co-pastor wife actively engaged with the communities of Asbury Park and Neptune, New Jersey, earning admiration for their leadership and mentorship qualities. Later on, John became the president of the Ministerial Alliance in 2007. Additionally, he held the esteemed position of a Master Mason, having attained the 32nd degree under the Prince Hall Grand Lodge located at 155th street in New York. His memberships also included the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Noble Mystic Shrine.
John had a passion for cooking, particularly southern BBQ and blues music as it reminded him of his roots. He cherished having his family around for cookouts, reunions and traditional holiday gatherings, where he could share memories and his love for southern cuisine. He also painstakingly researched his family history with his son, Stephan. As a result, they co-wrote and published a book about their ancestry.
He was always willing to offer advice, especially when it came to significant purchases or investments. With multiple degrees in Business Administration and Finance from Rutgers University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, among others, he possessed a wealth of knowledge in these areas.
John is preceded in death by his wife, Lucille Jones Bradley, two sons Stanley and Kevin, two brothers, Jimmy Bradley and A.J. Bradley, and a special great-granddaughter, whom he loved dearly, Makayla Love.
He leaves to cherish his memory and legacy of love and faith five daughters, Patricia Bennett, Neptune, NJ, Phyllis Long (Joseph) Georgia, Linda Bradley, Asbury Park, NJ, Theresa Ferguson (Michael), Statesboro, GA, and Carolyn Bradley, Edison, NJ; three sons, Donald Bradley, Newark NJ, John Bradley Jr., Newark, NJ, and Stephan Bradley, Asbury, NJ; two grandchildren he raised from infancy; Nakisha Bradley, Asbury Park, NJ, and Sherie Love (Daniel), Neptune, NJ, one sister, Eloise Drummond, East Orange, NJ. one sister-in-law, Lorraine Jones, Salem, NJ. Forty-three grandchildren, thirty great-grands, and eight great-great-grands, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral service for the Rev. John Bradley, Sr., will be held 11:30 AM., Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Friendship Baptist Church 929 Mattison Ave. Asbury Park, NJ 07712. Vastation will begin at 10:A.M. on the day of service .
Additional funeral services for Rev. John Bradley ,Sr., will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, May 25, 2024 at the Ben Samuel Hill Memorial Chapel of Hill's Mortuary, Inc. Burial will follow in the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Register, Georgia.
Final rites have been entrusted to Hill's Mortuary, Inc.
