Jean Nea

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Jean Beard Nea, 90, of Charleston, formerly of Dexter, Mo., died Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Mo.

She was born Dec. 29, 1915, at Bunkum, Ill., to the late Walter H. and Lurlyne Moore Beard. A graduate of Miss Hickey's Secretarial School in St. Louis, she lived in St. Louis most of her life, and then moved to Charleston in 1976. She was of the Methodist belief.

In 1935 she married Willard K. Nea, who preceded her in death in 1967.

Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Charles W. and Joan Nea of Cuba, Mo., Scott K. and Ann Nea of Brentwood, Mo.; a daughter, Linda L. Patrick of Charleston; 13 grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; four nephews; and two nieces.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Walter Beard Jr.; a sister, Jane Y. Halter; and a nephew, Byron "Butch" Beard.

Friends may call from 1 p.m. until the funeral hour at 3 p.m. Saturday at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. The Rev. Roger Jespersen, pastor of the United Methodist Church of Charleston, will officiate. Eulogies will be offered by Richard Logan and Marilyn Renaud. Burial will follow in Dexter Cemetery at Dexter.