Beatrice Drury

Beatrice ""Bea"" Drury, 89, a life-long resident of Poplar Bluff died Saturday, July 18, 2009 at her residence.

Mrs. Drury was born May 26, 1920 in Poplar Bluff, and was a graduate of Poplar Bluff High School. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she volunteered at McDevitt Hall every Monday afternoon. Beginning her career in communications with Southwestern Bell as a telephone operator Mrs. Drury retired in 1976 as a supervisor after 37 years of service. Mrs. Drury enjoyed spending time with her family especially her grandsons, church activities, flower gardening and cooking.

On June 24, 1944 she married William Claude ""Bill"" Drury, Sr. in Poplar Bluff. He preceded her in death on Sept. 13, 2003.

Survivors include her son, Bill Drury and his wife Laura of Poplar Bluff; and grandsons: Jeffrey Drury and Chris Drury of Poplar Bluff; a brother-in-law, Paul Drury and his wife Gwen Drury; sister-in-law, Wilomae Drury, also of Poplar Bluff; her sister-in-law, Virginia Sielert of Orange Park., Fla.; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Her parents, John and Renee (Christian) Sielert, brothers, Farris Sielert and Allen Sielert, and sister, Zora Small also preceded her in death.

Visitation for Mrs. Drury will begin at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A funeral mass will follow at 12:00 noon at the Church with Father David Coon officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial contributions be made to Sacred Heart Catholic School or Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 123 No. 8th St. in Poplar Bluff.