Mae G. Bradley

Mae George Sexton was born on October 7, 1927, in Texarkana, Texas, the middle of three children born to Carl Otto Von Sexton and Ernestine Perry Sexton. She grew up as an only child, as her two brothers passed away at very young ages. Mae also experienced the loss of her mother at the tender age of four. Her father raised her alone for several years until he met and married her stepmother, Jimmie Ruby Sexton. Jimmie became a loving mother figure and helped raise Mae, alongside her father, and grandparents, Rev. W. M. Sexton and Ida Powell Sexton, who lived next door.

 Her parents instilled in her the importance of education. Mae graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and attended Prairie View College before transferring to Bishop College, her family's alma mater, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics in May 1948. Mae furthered her education at Akron University, Duquesne University, and Indiana Central College (now the University of Indianapolis), where she earned a Master of Arts degree.

 Mae began her teaching career at Lane Elementary in Akron, Ohio, teaching third grade. She also taught at Baxter Elementary School and Rankin School in Braddock, Pennsylvania, and at IPS School 54 in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she retired.

 Mae also met the love of her life, Rev. James R. Bradley, while attending Bishop College. They were engaged Christmas of her senior year and married on August 4, 1948. Shortly after their wedding, they moved to Saginaw, Michigan, where Rev. James R. Bradley accepted his first call to pastor True Vine Baptist Church. Mae embraced and excelled in her role over the years as the first lady of several churches, supporting her husband’s pastoral work in: Adrian, Michigan, Second Baptist Church, Marion, Indiana; Trinity Baptist Church, Akron, Ohio; New Hope Baptist Church, Braddock, Pennsylvania; and First Baptist Church North Indianapolis.

 Mae was a loving, devoted wife and mother to her family. Mae and Rev. James R. Bradley were married for 53 years at the time of his passing, and their union was blessed with three sons: James Jr., Carl Von, and Archer Adams Bradley, and one foster-daughter, Patricia Powell.

 Mae confessed her Christian faith at 6 years old. She believed in the power of prayer and prayed daily for family members, friends, and anyone in need. She loved her church and church family and remained an active member of First Baptist North Indianapolis. Throughout her membership, Mae served as a Sunday School teacher, Baptist Training Union Director, Grannies Club, Youth Supervisor, and Choir Member.

 Mae was an avid reader and loved to travel. Some of her most memorable trips included visits to Japan, China, and Israel. She was also an active member of her sorority Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. Tau Chapter, in Indianapolis, IN.

 Mae G. Bradley received peace on November 23, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Reverend James R. Bradley; her three sons, James Jr., Carl Von, and Archer Adams Bradley; her foster-daughter, Patricia Powell; and beloved in-laws, Rev. and Mrs. R.B. Bradley Sr. (Big Daddy and Little Mother), and R.B. Bradley Jr.

 Mae leaves to cherish her memory, one granddaughter, Kadeana Rae Daniels; four grandsons, Carl Von Bradley, Jr. (Monica), Jay Adams Bradley (Latasha), Joseph Vonhumphrey Bradley (Eboni), and Aaron Bradley; eleven great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law, Robert (Joann) Taft Bradley; her sisters-in-law, Hetra Bradley and Laura (Danny) Price; and a host of nieces, nephews, church family, and friends.