Tributes

Beatrice Y. (Prevallet) Modde, 87, of Perryville died January 20, 2016 peacefully at her residence surrounded by family. She was born October 6, 1928 in Marquand, MO, daughter of Claude and Ida Belle (Swims) Yardley. She and John “Toby” Modde were married on April 1, 1989. He survives her in marriage. Bea (Prevallet) Modde lived life with grace. A true southern belle, an educator, and a splendid host. A woman before her time, Bea arrived in Perryville as a single mother. She began teaching in what was then called Perry County Country Schools to include Sereno, Brazeau and Longtown. She started her studies at Southeast Missouri State and completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Education at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa teaching sorority. Mrs. B, as she was known, contributed greatly as a member of the coaching staff at both Valle Catholic and Ste. Genevieve Public Schools that resulted in the volleyball dynasties of the 1970’s and 1980’s. Each year a volleyball “Hustle” award is made in her honor. The same whistle she used in her P.E. classes was used to call her children to the dinner table. Mrs. “B” touched thousands of children’s lives in her 47 year teaching career. The light of her retirement was her weekly trips to the school library were she sat on the floor to read to the kindergarten students. One little student once asked, “Mrs. B do all those wrinkles hurt?” Her great-grandchildren will remember her infamous pillow fights, her standing on her head well into her 70’s and the many card games she taught them from earlier years. Canasta being her favorite. Bea was one of the oldest cancer survivors in Perry County and participated in Relay For Life for many years. She also won multiple Gold Medals in Senior Olympics Golf. Golf, Bridge Club, themed parties, poetry writing, and decorating her house for each and every occasion/holiday were her passion. She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and AmVets Post 94 Ladies Auxilary. Other survivors include three children, James (Dee) Johnson of Perryville, Melanie Prevallet (Trevor) Muir of Clare, MI, Debbie Prevallet of Kansas City; one brother, Fred Yardley of Marietta, GA; five grandchildren, Kimberly Johnson (Doug) Brummitt, Kevin (Lisa) Johnson, Nate Smith, Nicole Smith Bauer, Jesse Prevallet; and six great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Brummitt, Connor Brummitt, Avery Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Jacob Bauer and Joshua Bauer. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, William Raymond Yardley; and one sister, Joyce C. Yardley. Visitation will be held at Young & Sons Funeral Home on Friday, January 22 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and on Saturday, January 23 from 6:30 to 9:30 am. She will then be taken to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church for Mass at 10:00 am with Rev. Brad Modde officiating. Burial in Mt Hope Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Southeast Hospice, Relay for Life or charity of choice. Young & Sons Funeral Home, Inc. in Perryville, MO provided the arrangements.

Tributes

Beatrice "Bea" Prevallet Modde

October 6, 1928 - January 20, 2016