Diamond Bradley

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Lovingly Written by the Family ~

Diamond James Bradley made his premiere debut in this world on August 14, 1985, in Kansas City, Missouri.

He was born the last of five children to Vera Simmons, her one and only son. The family relocated to Joplin, Missouri, in the early 90s, where Diamond would end up spending most of the better part of his life. He was a student of both North Middle School and Joplin High School. Diamond liked cooking (and eating!) and over the years worked at various hotels and restaurants in the community. He also enjoyed camping and would often speak of his dream to build a home out in the wilderness.

To truly know Diamond Bradley was to know a character. Diamond was a free spirit – a soul that just wouldn’t be tamed. He had a persona that was very much the life of party – even if there was no party! His personality could overwhelm any room. His laughter was infectious and his smile was heart-melting. He undeniably treasured his children and thrived on their love. He was both a devoted brother to his sisters and an impassioned son to his mother. His warmth and presence will be forever missed in all of our lives.

Upon his heavenly homecoming, Diamond will join his fathers, Tony Simmons and Terry Boney; his maternal grandmother and grandfather, Mr. and Mrs. John Melton; his great-great-aunt, Mrs. Tava Lee Jones; and a host of other family and friends that have passed beforehand.

Diamond physically leaves on this earth his beloved daughter, Makayla Gilstrap; his cherished trio of sons, Dominique, Daunte and Davion Bradley; his dear mother, Vera Simmons; his father, Larry Bradley; his endearing sisters, Amanda Gray, Arlene Wesley, Marilyn Bradley and Hannah Woessner; his brothers-in-law, Michael Gray and Treeman Wesley; his nieces and nephews, Elijah Weathers, Orion Scarboroug, Aliza Bradley, Tionna Wesley, Treeman Wesley and Gabriel Gray; the mothers of his children, Ashely Doerge and Chelsea Gilstrap; and a number of other family members and friends. His memory will forever live on in all of our hearts. We pray to God for his unyielding mercy and have continued faith in his deliverance. Until we meet again…”you feel me?”

Funeral services for Diamond are 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2018, in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary with David DuRall, II, officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Joplin. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Ian Marshall, Dominique Bradley, Jon McGonagle, Charlie Melton, Michael Gray and Brad Ship. The family will receive friends for visitation from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to Ozark Center – New Directions Program in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon, Joplin, Missouri.

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