April 9, 1943 - February 17, 2025
Shirley Preston, born to Thurston and Bernice, began working on her parent’s farm at an early age. After she married Guy Leon Lewis (to whom she was married 50 years), she worked at both glove factories in town, their family farm, and Jack Daniel’s. She managed the books for Guy. She was loved well by her brother James (Jane), sister-in-law Louise (J.D), and brother-in-law Clyde (Ines).
Most importantly to her, she built her life around her family. She and Guy reared a daughter, Brenda Louise Lewis Graham. They created a magical world for their grandchildren, Ashley Elizabeth Graham Johnson (Don), and great-grandchildren. In her later years, she traveled across the state with her favorite son-in-law, Philip Graham. She was lucky to live just across the field from Lori Ann Groce Brandon, whom she claimed as a second daughter.
The Grand Ole Opry and Gaither Homecoming were always on the radio. She was a staple at Saturday night square dances. She and Guy played Rook with Roy Glenn and Shirley, Arvin and Aliene. She never missed talking on the phone to Lucille during Wheel of Fortune. She was cherished by her friends.
She made life beautiful. She was a talented seamstress who sewed dresses, costumes, pants, jackets, and quilts for her family (and sometimes their favorite dolls). Sketches for clothes she designed and directions for cakes she decorated were in folders and memories throughout her life. She crafted and created blankets and curtains for friends and loved ones - whatever they needed t o turn their house into a home like hers.
Shirley tended to the land and her community. She raised dogs, horses, chickens, cows, turkeys, and geese. She grew corn, beans, hay, tobacco, and flowers. She put up and canned countless jars of tomatoes each year, despite never liking them, to feed the people she loved. She drove the tractor, cooked for farmhands, cheered for the Moore County Raiders, and proudly participated in Frontier Days.
She could be found at Woodard's, Sue’s House of Beauty, Lois Church of Christ, or visiting friends who were in need of a fresh vegetable, homemade cake, or good laugh. Her family’s friends, near and far, lovingly recount their visits. They invite you to bake something sweet for your family and friends this weekend in memory of Shirley.
At 90 years old, she was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brother, brothers and sisters-in-law, nephew, and son-in-law. She will be attended to in death by Don Johnson, Rod Lewis, Roy Glenn Groce, James Brandon, Tony Smith, and Gary Preston. Her visitation will be Friday, February 21, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Jennings-Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at Lois Cemetery on Saturday, February 22, at 11:00 am. Her family wishes to thank the profoundly talented and compassionate staff at Lynchburg Nursing Center for their care and love during her last few years.