Bertha E. Durey
December 27, 1920 ~ April 28, 2020
Bertha "Bea" E. Durey, 99, of Princeton, Illinois passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at Heritage Health, Walnut, Illinois.
She was born December 27, 1920 in Charles City, Iowa the daughter of Royal Wesley and Mary Agnes (Chapman) Pryor. Bea had 3 children and 50 plus grandchildren.
If you were to search the internet for Bertha "Bea" Elizabeth Pryor Durey, I'm certain she would not be listed anywhere as famous or even familiar to most, but to me and many others she was that and so much more. When I think of Jesus I cannot help but think of her. This is not because she was perfect, no indeed she was not, but she loved Jesus enough to share His story to anyone she met. It did not matter who you were, where you came from, what you did for a living and most especially so, the lost were her favorite. She opened her heart and home to anyone in need. The only request was for them to join her at church so she could fulfill what she felt was her calling, to bring others to Christ.
She did that very thing for me by encouraging me and all of her family to stay close to Jesus and reminding us every chance she could that Jesus Loves Us, For the Bible Tells Us So.
I could say so much more because I have known her my entire life. My Gma Bea will forever be the most important human being I have known because she taught me how to ask Jesus in my heart and gave me hope that we will be together again. On that day I hope someone recalls my name in a simple, but heartfelt post, but most especially that I was in some way Jesus to others.
A celebration of life will be held at a much later, safer date. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17
I worked with Bea for many years at Wal-Mart and knew her grandsons. She was a great lady and would help anyone if she could. RIP Bea. You will be missed and always remembered by those who were lucky to have met you.
What a beautiful tribute – thoroughly enjoyed reading the “story” of “Bea”.
No doubt she heard well done good and faithful servant. And is glad to be home. Although, I am sure Joni and Jodi will miss her here.
My condolences upon the transition of your GMa Bea.
Bea was an amazing person who took me under her wing. She loved me no matter of my past. She always was ready to read me the Bible and when I didn’t think much of myself she would look me in the eyes and say Jesus loves you that’s what mattered. Bea I will miss you but I know you are praising Jesus and I know you are home with our Heavenly Father .
She was one of his most faithful servants. See you later Bea.
I am so sorry for your loss,Brenda and family. She was truly a woman of God who will now reign at his side.
Even though Bea was in her last decade of life when I met her, knowing her was like being with someone especially blessed in God’s love. She radiated Jesus’ love, lived it, breathed it, and shared it more with others than anyone I’ve ever known. I’m grateful to have known her. She longed to be with her Lord, and I know she’s happy in heaven now.
I have such fond memories of “Mrs. Durey” being so warm and welcoming to us young people in her family home as well as at church in Princeton. She was the kind of person I admired for her genuine love of Jesus that radiated to others. Many, very happy hours were spent in her home with her family! When my mother lived at Liberty, Mrs. Durey came out to lead Bible study and brought much joy to those attending. There will be a beautiful reunion in Heaven one day, won’t there?
I have many fond memories of visiting my aunts Dorothy and Bertha. Bertha always had a positive attitude, and a joy of life that was contagious! It was wonderful spending time with her.
Grandma “Bea”, we grew up hearing about as our Great Aunt Bertha. She was the last surviving Pryor sibling of the three daughters and three sons. My grandad Lee was Bertha’s brother. Though I never met her in person, whenever she was mentioned it was indeed telling about how much she loved and trusted Jesus throughout her life! What a beautiful gift to others throughout her life and now as a legacy! Blessings to all in the family, Maria Walker Ebersole from near Buffalo, NY.