Surrounded by family, Betty Sue Stiles Preston died peacefully at home in Lake Tansi, Crossville on July 24.
A Warren County native born Dec. 31, 1934, she was the sixth of eight children born to Hollie B. and Maggie Ulla Spain Stiles, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by seven halfbrothers and sisters, the children of her father’s first wife, Maggie Thompson Stiles; full sisters and brothers-in-law, Ella Mae and Harold Moore and Mildred and Carl Duke; brothers, H.B. Stiles, Jr. and Fred Thomas Stiles; and daughter, Susan Lynn Woodlee Johnson.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Harry Preston; children Dusty (Kim) Woodlee of Orlando, Fla., Cindy (Mark) Huth of Chattanooga; and great-grandson, Brock Aviles of Orlando, Fla.; step-daughters, Debbie (Ernie) Frankenburg, Cynthia Preston, and Gerlinde (Collier) Rogers, all of McMinnville; grandson, Michael (Talitha) Oettinger; and great-grandchildren, Lucy and Berean Oettinger of Murfreesboro. She is also survived by one sister, Ruth McGee and brothers, N.B. (Faye) Stiles of McMinnville and Charles (Joyce) Stiles of Murfreesboro.
Mrs. Preston was devoted to her family first. She started a career in retail as an interior decorator for Sears in Hattiesburg, Ms. After returning to McMinnville, she was hired as the women’s department merchandise manager for JC Penney. After retiring from Penney’s, she gave her time to gardening, preparing meals for several church food programs, and delivering meals on wheels. She was also a member of the Junior League. Mrs. Preston was of the Christian faith, and attended various churches over the years.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in High’s Parlor with James Vandiver and Paul Roberts officiating. Inurnment will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Visitation will be held from noon until the time of service Sunday at High’s. Memorial contributions may be made to Magness Memorial Library, 118 W. Main Street, McMinnville, 37110.
High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Southern Standard
(McMinnville, Tenn.) July 27, 2015