Beatrice Carol "Bea" (Neely) Cody of Kirksville passed away at the age of 76 on September 5, 2017, at the Great River Medical Center in Burlington, Iowa, where she had been a patient for a short time. Prior to hospitalization she had been residing at Lexington Square Rehab Facility in Keokuk, IA, for health care

Bea was born May 29, 1941, to Harold M. and Jessie E. (Spencer) Neely in Milan, MO. She was married to Clyde A. Cody on August 27, 1960, in Kirksville, MO. Bea and Clyde were high school sweethearts graduating from Kirksville High School together in 1959. This marriage lasted 52 years until Clyde's death in 2013; they truly became a united "Bea and Clyde", one name not said without the other. Their marriage was blessed with a son, Gregory A. Cody of Kirksville who survives with his wife, Velva, and their three children: Melanie, Elizabeth, and Emmett. After Bea retired and had more time at home she loved spending many hours with her grandchildren, especially spending weekends together including overnights with game playing and movies.

Bea is also survived by two brothers, Ray Neely and wife Shirley, and Rick Neely and wife Sue all of Kirksville, MO. Other surviving loved ones include Ilene Baldwin (sister-in-law) of Kirksville, many nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Jessie Neely, her husband, Clyde Cody, brothers-in-law Jim Baldwin, Gail Cody, and a sister-in-law, Arlene (Cody) Crowder.

While in high school Bea began working at Grim Smith Hospital under the COE Program. Nursing caught her interest and she continued the rest of her working career at the hospital for a total of 43 years, first helping deliver babies and later as a ward clerk. Her wide range of medical experiences and knowledge were appreciated by family and friends who liked to call her sometimes for practical advice or just to talk. Bea would often make people feel better by calls, visits, or simply being by their sides in times of joy or trouble.

Bea was a people person. Their home was a gathering place for many years for Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, and the 4th of July. All ages enjoyed favorite foods (like macaroni salad), games, and a big yard for fun or fireworks. Bea also enjoyed country music, road trips, collecting angels and jewelry, reading, and always taking the time for visitors.

As a mother, grandmother, sister, "Aunt Bea", and friend she will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

Public visitation will be held after 4:00 p.m. Friday, September 8, 2017 with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 9, 2017 at the First Baptist Church in Kirksville, with Pastor Jason Marlin officiating. Interment will follow the service at Maple Hills Cemetery in Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be Bryan Thomas, Brian Hall, Brad Neely, Preston Neely, Jason Neely, and Steve Cody.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Bea Cody may be made to her son, Greg Cody for the continued education of Bea's grandchildren. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.