Vera Jeanne Materre

1930 - 2026

Vera Jeanne Materre

On August 9, 1930, the animated cultural icon Betty Boop was introduced. The world was feeling the effects of a deep depression and one of the most generous, beautiful, strong, human beings was born. 

Vera Jeanne Bradley was the fourth daughter of lsaac Cleophus Bradley and Alberta Duke Bradley. She was later joined by a brother, Andrew, to complete the Bradley clan, which included Dorothy, Gloria, and Edreana, all of whom preceded her in death. 

Vera would later be known as Jeanne by family and friends. Jeanne was born into a musical family. They all played the piano beautifully. The Bradley girls had melodious voices. The sisters were known as the Bradley Quartet. They performed frequently for various events, accompanied by their mother on the piano. Jeanne often played piano for various church services in addition to accompanying her eldest sister, Dorothy during classical recitals. 

When Jeanne was a student at DuSable High School, her father died and her mother never remarried. Alberta, or "Mother Dear" as she was affectionately known, poured all her love and energy into her five children. Jeanne often recalled the depth of her mother's unconditional love. It is that caring and never-ending love and attention that brought and kept the family close throughout the years. One would be hard pressed to find a closer-knit family than the Bradleys. Jeanne later carried that trait to her own family as one of the most loving, generous and caring mothers to grace this earth. 

Jeanne's love of music led her to study music education at Northwestern University, where she received her bachelor's degree. She commuted from Chicago's south side to Evanston daily as Blacks were not allowed to reside in the dormitories. She often spoke about hearing other co-eds laughing and enjoying dorm life, while she had to take the "L" back home every evening. She and other people of color could not partake in the traditional college life. 

After receiving her degree, she took her talents to the Chicago Public School system as a music education teacher; but that was short-lived. Her true passion was to sing. She decided to leave her siblings and dear mother behind to pursue a career in "show business". She packed her bags and headed to Detroit to showcase her unique and distinctive contralto singing voice. She changed her name to "Kim Karter". Her manager felt it had a more fitting stage presence. She sang her way through Detroit, Pittsburgh, New York, Montreal, Canada, and eventually Boston, for 5 years. People often likened her to be a young Lena Horne. She performed with many of the greats, including Ramsey Lewis. 

One day during a visit home to 5818 S. Indiana, with time off from performing, she turned to her mother and said, ''I'm sick of this, I wish I could do something else." Her mother replied, "Darling, you can." She told her, "You're right." Jeanne had become homesick and the late nights and travel was just not for her. At that moment, Jeanne decided to say goodbye to '"Kim Karter" and go back to teaching. She eventually taught music education and then diverse education (special education) to hundreds of fortunate kids at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School in the Cabrini Green area. 

She went on to continue her education. She received a Master's in special education from Chicago State University and became an administrator for the Board of Education. She did it all while she raised her 3 children and continued teaching Monday through Friday. She was a mentor to many and a beloved teacher for 36 years until her retirement in 1994. 

Jeanne continued to sing and perform after "show business". She was teacher during the week and performer on the weekends at Club 24 in the Tiki Room, owned by gold medalist, Jesse Owens. She also sang and entertained ladies' groups throughout the years where she made lifelong friendships. 

It was not too long after she retired from "show business" that she met her prince charming, the man with whom she would spend 58 loving years, Louis Francis Materre (deceased), a painter and decorator at the time. The two married in 1960 at a beautiful little church in Chatham where she donned a gorgeous beaded ivory gown her mother, an accomplished seamstress, designed and sewed by hand. Out of that union came three children: Micah, Daryl, and Gloria. Her children were her pride and joy; and she theirs. 

Jeanne was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for over 60 years. She also joined and served in numerous Charitable organizations. Jeanne was also quite the socialite. If you knew her and her sisters, Gloria and Edreana, you knew that they were avid bridge players. Jeanne played bridge for decades and played her last hand a few months ago, where rumor has it, she won. Her family would often joke that it was "bridge before life" for her. People often said Jeanne was a "hell of a bridge player" and hard to beat, even at 95. She was a member of the Third Saturday Bridge Club, The High Heels, Breakfast Bridge, Tuesday Night Bridge Club and many others over the years. 

Jeanne's love of shopping was evident by her impeccable attire and fabulous taste in design. Her cooking was delicious, a trait she passed on to her children. Entertaining was another one of her talents. You would never leave her home hungry, thirsty or unsatisfied. She was a remarkable soul, talented, graceful and elegant-a true class act and beautiful inside and out. She was one of the strongest women you'll ever meet. That's another trait she handed down to her kids. 

Above everything, Jeanne adored her family. Being with her loved ones brought her joy beyond words. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild and extended family were the magic that kept her youthful and sincerely happy. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for family. That was her greatest accomplishment. Jeanne was generous, thoughtful, caring, gregarious, creative, gorgeous, compassionate, nurturing, forgiving and above all, loving. 

Jeanne leaves behind her beloved family: three children, Micah Materre (Kelvin Jackson), Daryl F. Materre (Lauren), and Gloria L. Materre (Victor Bridgeman); a step-son, Louis F. Materre, Jr.; her grandchildren, Micah A. Materre, Drake F. Materre, Louis M. Jackson, and McKenzie M. Jackson; and daughters and sons-in-law and their children, a host of nieces and nephews, and dear friends, who will live on through her spirit, devotion and love. 

Jeanne made it to her 96th year and received her wings at 2:57 a.m. on January 1, 2026. There will always be a seat at the bridge table for you Jeanne. Mommy, the beautiful memories you made will always live on and you will remain our hearbeat.