Both Uses

prevail
in
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
(Edited)

Again, silence prevailed; but that would not do for T.J. "Say, how 'bout we sneak down to that ole Wallace store and learn how to do them new dances?"
p. 73.3

prevailed = won out (was in effect)
Big Ma didn't answer immediately; she was occupied in a test of wills with Jack. When hers had prevailed and Jack had settled into a moderate trot, she replied moodily...
p. 103.5 *

prevailed = proved superior or won

Definitions:

(1) (prevail as in: reason will prevail)
prove superior or win
(2) (prevail as in: she prevailed upon him)
use persuasion -- especially successfully

The expression "prevail upon your patience" or "prevail upon your kindness" means to appeal to the listeners patience or kindness as a method of persuasion.
(3) (prevailing as in: prevailing attitude)
most common, powerful, or influential
(4) (prevail as in: rare, but still prevails)
to be in force; or to have some power or influence
(5) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)