Jeter Thompson was born on March 16,1930 as the second of five God- given children of Justus Jeter and Emma West Thompson. Jeter matriculated through the St. Louis Public School System, graduating from Sumner High School in 1948. Jeter was elected as the president of his senior class and student council president. After graduating from Sumner, he attended Stowe College for two years, after which he enlisted in the Air Force. In 1951, he was joined in matrimony to Miss Geraldine Valentine. From this union two daughters were born, Donna Maria and Pamela Ann Thompson.He later united in marriage to Louisa Brown Handley, his loving wife of 33 years.
Jeter always demonstrated a talent for the piano at an early age, and he began to play jazz piano in the St. Louis Area. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, he performed in many musical venues including tours and concerts.He appeared with prominent musicians such as Ray Charles and Dick Gregory.
In March 1960, Jeter organized the Quartette Tres Bien in St.Louis,Missouri. The original QTB consisted of Jeter Thompson on piano, Percy James on bongo and conga drums, Richard Simmons on bass, and Albert St. James on drums.The QTB performed in the Gaslight Square entertainment area during 1961-1973.The group recorded many albums under the Norman Records label and Decca Records in California.
Jeter later returned to St. Louis and organized the Trio Tres Bien with his brothers, Harold and Howard Thompson.
Jeter departed his earthly life on Friday, December 1, 2017. He was preceded in death by his sister, Edna Thompson Ricks.Jeter leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Louisa; his devoted daughters, Donna Patton and Pamela Cobb-Miller( Clarence);his faithful sister, Dr. Patricia T. Whitelocke; his brothers, Harold (Gwen) and Howard( Heriscene), his caring grandchildren, John ( Keisha) Cobb, Terrell Cobb,Micah Patton and Natalie (Joseph) Killen;his supportive step children, Erwin, Jr. ( Carolyn); Eric Sr.,and Lisa; helpful step grandsons, Eric Jr.,Grant,and Jason; his precious great grandchildren, Brittany, Omari, Terrell Jr., Christian, Kaden, Cannon, Yariah, Noelle, Olivia and Jace; one uncle, Maurice Bell, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who dearly loved him and will truly miss him.
Viewing/ Visitation: Thursday, December 7, 2017
4-8 pm
Austin Layne Mortuary- Normandy Chapel
7733 Natural Bridge Road
Funeral: Friday, December 8, 2017
10 am
St. Louis Bibleway Church
6719 Page Blvd.
St. Louis, Missouri 63133
Listening to my collection of most of the Quartette Tres Bien records I have in my collection, having a GROOVY FUN listening experience! Got my eyes on two more LP’s selling on Ebay! Jeter Thompson LIVES on! …Peace & Gratitude.