Bev Preston's Obituary
Bev Preston died Saturday the 4th of February 2017 after a brief illness. She was born to James David and H. Marguerite Preston in 1948. A lifelong resident of Gainesville, she graduated from P.K. Yonge in 1966 and obtained a bachelor's degree in anthropology from Wake Forest University.
Bev found her favorite job at the end of her life as an Apron's demonstrator at Publix. Prior to this she did social work, residential appraising, and was a bookmobile librarian. She was an avid reader and found an outlet for her incredible creativity in beading and crafting. She loved working with people, especially children and taught parenting classes for many years. She was a dedicated Girl Scout Leader and Cub Scout Leader both for her own children and the community. Bev was a member of United Church of Gainesville for more than 30 years.
Bev is survived by her children Mark Preston (Jill) Vanderhoek, of Macon, Ga., and Lauren Vanderhoek of Chicago, Ill., and three beloved granddaughters, Dulcie, Cordelia, and Louisa. She is also survived by her siblings Sharon Preston Gleman of Franklin, N. Car., Chad Owen (Linda) Preston of Gainesville, Fla., Kim Bradford (Charlene) Preston of Weirsdale, Fla., Stephen Glenn (JoEllen) Preston of Plant City, Fla., James Miles Preston of Inverness, Fla., and Clifford McArthur (Beckie) Preston of Gainesville, Fla. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.
Bev will be buried at Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery, with a graveside service at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11. The family will receive friends after the service at the United Church of Gainesville from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the United Church of Gainesville Emergency Loan Fund (352-378-3500, 1624 NW 5th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32605) or Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery (7204 SE County Road 234, Gainesville, FL 32641).
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