‘She was fearless’: Gospel singer and entrepreneur, Genetter Bradley, dies at 83
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When Sherita Herring was growing up, she looked up to her aunt, Genetter Bradley, as a larger than life figure. Because she watched her aunt break through barriers in music and business, Herring knew as a child that anything was possible.
She says her aunt made it her mission in life to help those around her unlock their true potential.
“She impacted my life since birth,” said Herring. “I mimicked her and she was the first person to show me that a woman could be an entrepreneur.”
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Bradley, a gospel singer, song writer and entrepreneur, died July 5, from health complications brought on by vascular dementia. She was 83.
Bradley, the fourth of five sisters, started singing in the church as a child. Originally from Arkansas, the family moved to Kansas City when Bradley was young and called the metro home. Bradley came from a musically gifted family and for years honed her skills. She combined her two loves: singing and helping people through the word of God.
Herring mentioned that her aunt not only had a significant impact on her family but also on neighbors, friends, and even strangers.
“She was a role model to everyone,” said her niece. “Even though she was the second to youngest of her siblings she took chances in a time when women were not allowed to do certain things. She was fearless and that gave those who came behind her that same fearlessness.”
Bradley traveled throughout the country with her group The Kansas City Melody-Aires and sang in historic music venues such as the Apollo Theater in New York City and the Metropolitan Opera House in Philadelphia. Her group was signed to Simco Records and later Peacock Records. She would later become the lead singer in the gospel group Wings of Grace and toured with famous gospel groups like The Staple Singers and The Caravans.
Her nieces remember that despite her many accomplishments, their aunt was never changed by her success. Although she may have been busy with work or family responsibilities, Bradley, who was a wife and mother, always made time for those in need.
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“Everyone thought that they were her favorite because when you were with her you felt like you were the most special person and that was her skill,” said Herring. “It was my aunt who taught me when you step out on faith and feel that passion that is God showing up in us. Things are falling in place we don’t even see.”
In addition to her singing career, Bradley obtained her cosmetology license and opened her beauty salon, Net’s House of Splendor, and later a child care center called Dear’s Little School House. It was here that she was able to make deeper connections to the community, offering free services to women struggling financially. Herring believes that the whole family, who learned from Bradley firsthand, adopted a strong desire to help and serve the community.
She said her aunt’s funeral was a “true testament to her legacy” of kindness. Hundreds attended and many musicians, who had worked with Bradley or were mentored by her, united as a choir to sing in her memory.
Though she will miss her aunt, she will remember her lessons and try to carry on the legacy of faith and perseverance she learned from Bradley.
“I will miss her laughter, because she is the one who always helped me to look towards the brighter times and she was a listener,” said Herring. “I think she would like to be remembered as a God-fearing woman who placed God first and everything she did.”
Other Remembrances
Bettye Dirks
Bettye Dirks, wife and mother, died July 5. She was 89.
Dirks was born in Paris, Texas on April 25, 1935 to Luther and Erma Brown. After graduating from high school Dirks met Willie Dirks Sr. and the couple got married and moved to Kansas to start their new life.
The Dirks had seven children and she dedicated much of her time looking after the children and taking care of their home. But she also worked at Bethany Hospital. She later worked at Quindaro Elementary School.
She enjoyed spending time gardening, cooking and with her family.
She is survived by her sister, Geneva Cofield; children: Wanda Dirks-Sauls, Robert Dirks, Karen Renee Dirks, Willie Dean Dirks Jr., Michael Dwayne Dirks, Tracy Dirks and Mark Dirks; along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Deborah Manor
Deborah Manor, mother, wife and church worker, died July 17. She was 67.
Manor was born December 21, 1956, in Kansas City to Carnell and Lois Jackson. She was the fifth of her parent’s six children.
She graduated from Central High School and after graduation Manor held several different job around the city including, at the Internal Revenue Service, Research Medical Center and Dots. Pharmacy.
She married Freddie Manor in 2009. Her husband died in 2016.
Manor was heavily involved in the church and was a member of Johnson County Church of Christ. She participated in their annual Ladies Day Program, serving the community through work with the Harvester’s food program.
She is remembered by her children, Sherra Hanna, Carl Taylor Jr., and Robert J. Hamilton II.; along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
