Mrs. Beatrice Prioleau was born August 28, 1927 in Winston Salem NC, to Grace and Edward Ledbetter. She was one of 5 siblings who all have predeceased her in death. She was educated in Winston-Salem and earned a Bachelor's degree in Education at Winston Salem Teachers College (Winston Salem State University). She worked as a teacher for 5 years in GA and several years as a substitute teacher in Winston Salem.

She married Leon F. Patterson and from this union 3 children were born, Terry, Avis, and Leon Jr. (deceased).

While her children were young she relocated to NYC. Upon arriving in NY she took whatever job was available to her in order to support her family. She held several jobs but finally obtained work with the City of New York, Department of Social Services, first as a caseworker and then as a supervisor in the Homemaker Division. She retired from the city in 1986. After retirement, she continued to work as a volunteer, tutoring children and she also obtained another job as the Entitlement Coordinator with Beth Abraham Hospital.

She was a Christian who accepted Christ at a young age and continued to serve God in Winston and New York. She communicated her faith to those who were in her sphere of influence, letting them know who she was and what she had was a result of faith in God. "Queen Bea" as she is affectionately called loved life. She loved her family and friends. She loved who she was as a woman of color.

Mrs. Beatrice Prioleau departed this life on March 20, 2021 in Winston Salem, NC. She leaves to mourn her passing, her daughters Terry (NYC), Avis (Winston Salem), her 2 grandchildren, Anthony and Trenace (NYC), 3 Great grandchildren Liza,(Denmark), Aliyah and Jaleel (Germany), her nephews, Donald (Evelyn) Texas, Charles(Winston Salem) Patrick(NYC), Francis (Sharon), MD, beloved great nieces Natalie and Blossom(Winston Salem), and numerous precious nieces and nephews in Winston Salem, Detroit, and Chicago. A special family she loved as her own, Jaqueline Scott and her daughters, Alacea, Emkasia, Jasmond, and Monajae (NYC) and many friends and loved ones from her church and her community.

A service honoring her memory will be held 2pm Thursday, April 15, 2021 at Hooper Funeral Home.