Mrs. Grace Preston

Celebrating the life of Amazing Grace H. Preston This Woman made a Difference... A child is born and matured through various stages of life, and if fortunate grows into maturity. The nature of the life ahead is unknown and can be filled with days of pleasure and days of despair. Varied experiences of life teaches us several lessons: sincerity, truth, worthiness, uprightness,and commitment rather than despair. The life of Grace H. Miller-Preston exemplified these qualities and more. They were instilled by her parents, Isaac and Lillie Miller. Obituary ... Grace Helen Miller-Preston was born November 7th, 1925 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She was the fourth child to bless the union of Isaac and Lillie Miller. At an early age, Grace's family knew that greatness was awaiting her and there was a calling on her life. She helped not only her family but also people in her community, school and of course church. At an early age, Grace accepted Christ as her Savior and worked diligently at Mount Mariah Baptist Church. She sang in the choir and became very active with Sunday School. Grace attended a small one room elementary school and graduated from Carter G. Woodson High School. Grace loved learning and because of her exemplary grades, she was accepted and matriculated from South Carolina State University. Her college experiences were an integral part of God's plan, another piece of HIS divine puzzle that would change the rest of her life. She was active in college and in 1945, she became an outstanding woman of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. While visiting her sister in New York, Mom obtained a position at Lord and Taylor. She would return to New York for summer vacation for the next two years, and during this time, Grace met her prince, Prince Rowan Preston. They had a wonderful courtship. The next few years, they were in constant communication! Dad was inducted into the Army for two years. When Dad's enlistment ended, Mom relocated to New York and the rest is history! In 1949, Grace and Prince relocated to Chicago. Prince and Grace were married December 17, 1950, and became the Royal Couple, "The Dynamic Duo"! With their union, they were blessed with two children, Ronald E. Preston (deceased) and Saundral E. Preston. Family was an important and integral part of her life, and Grace was the epitome of motherhood. She always had a special knack for always knowing what her family needed. It could have been a special meal or just a listening ear. Grace always demonstrated a giving and positive spirit. This was demonstrated daily with her career. Mom was initially a Social Worker for the Department of Public Aid. Her tireless efforts didn't go unnoticed and she soon became a Supervisor assisting clients for 33 years. Grace became a member of Greater Bethesda in 1960. She immediately began teaching Sunday School with Mrs. Ruby McMurray and Mrs. Minnie Davis. The dynamic trio had young children, affectionately known as the "Cradle Roll". Grace's dedication, giving, and diligence did not go unnoticed. Mom was soon appointed to several committees and clubs. She was a member of the "League", which was one of the top clubs in the church. Grace was instrumental in having the name changed to the "Annie J. Cooper League" and later became the President. She was an active member of the OWLS (Older Wiser Loving Saints), the Eli T. Martin Missionary Society and the Matrons. When the OWLS began traveling, Mom was always one of the first to fully participate. She created activities for the duration of the trip and she was always ready for a good game of "Kings in the Corner". Known for her organizational skills, her hidden talent was discovered. Her skills in the kitchen were phenomenal and whenever her committee or club was responsible for serving "Coffee Hour”, members of GBMBC knew they were going to be well fed! Marilyn Plummer, Laura Wilson and Grace Preston created many breakfasts for all that wanted to eat for over 30 years. Mom became concerned about members of the church that were sick and shut in. She began mailing bulletins to them weekly. She wanted to bless them. This ministry still continues. Grace loved the Lord and wanted to bless His people. Mom also made sure that every member received a special birthday blessing. In 1970, Mom and Dad wanted to socialize with a few members outside of Greater Bethesda and the VIP Social Club was established. Members were: Jimmy and Versay Finch, Ira and Delores Tolliver, Purtis and Leatris Harrell, Magnolia Miller, Luther Bennett, Jane Miller, and Prince and Grace Preston. A few years later, James and Maggie Knox, and Marva Diviniti became members. This lively group even traveled to Las Vegas for one of their meetings! The VIP's were established and Prince was the first President. Following Dad's transition, Grace became the President. Grace was family oriented. She was an AWESOME wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt. Grace leaves to cherish her memory, her loving daughter Saundral Preston; grandchildren Duane Preston, Renard Preston, Troy Mason and Ciera Preston; great grandchildren Harper and Hunter Preston; nieces Debra Thompson, Judith Preston Johnson, and Yvette Preston Lay; nephew Jeffery Preston; Linda Adams, and a host of relatives and friends. Grace became an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1945. She served on numerous committees and participated in activities on a regular basis. Mom had the opportunity to be involved in the FAME Program which took place at Saint Mark Church. She worked diligently in providing delicious meals for students and tutors. Mom was an active member of TOCS (Theta Omega Chapter Seniors). Grace participated annually with Founders Day committee and activities. In 2005, Diamond Soror Grace H. Preston received the award for Outstanding Soror for 2004. Mom participated on the Arts Committee and the Exhibit Committee. Mom became a Diamond Soror in 2020. After retiring, Mom and Dad became active participants as members of Concerned Seniors of Fernwood. They were active in water aerobics, field trips, galas and luncheons. Grace worked on several committees, but her favorite was the Social Committee! Mom's talents were utilized again and her delicacies always received rave reviews! The community was always near and dear to Mom's heart. For many years, she would go door to door trying to get her neighbors to become participants in the NAACP and members of the Roseland Heights Community. Grace also served as the recording secretary for several years. Grace H. Preston received her wings May 22, 2021. She was a role model and set the example of faithfulness. God allowed us to be in the presence of an Angel. We loved Grace, but God loved her more. Mom you are missed, loved and appreciated by us all. You're in Heaven with your mother and father, your sisters and brothers, Ronald and your Prince. WELL DONE THY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT YOU WERE FAITHFUL TO THE DAY THE LORD CALLED YOU HOME.

Tributes

Mrs. Grace Preston

November 7, 1925 - May 22, 2021