Shirley A. Preston

To view the service for Shirley A. Preston's live stream use the link below: www.facebook.com/ZandersFuneralLIVE Shirley Ann Preston was born on April 22, 1942 in Oakland, Florida to Willie and Corine Wilson Sr. She was the second of five children and raised in a home full of love. Shirley had a nurturing and hospitable spirit. She has always been a caretaker for others. She was the glue that kept her siblings’ children and their children’s children together. Shirley attended Orange County Public Schools and graduated from Charles R. Drew High School in 1959. Her friends dubbed her “The Basketball Queen”, because she played the sport very well. She entered the workforce at Sunland Hospital. In 1969, Shirley became employed at Health Central Park, formerly known as West Orange Manor. She had various job titles and advanced to become a Supervisor. On November 30, 2005, she retired after 36 years. Shirley always had the passion to serve others. Since a little girl, she was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. She served faithfully and untiringly on several committees including assisting with the Youth Department, Sunshine Choir, Calendar Feast Celebrations, Culinary team on various projects and events, Bethel Store Cashier, and the Golden Angels. Although sometimes physically unable to attend church, she continued to attempt until her health failed her. Shirley was an entertainer--she loved to cook and host family gatherings. She would prepare a feast filled with an abundance of love to fuel your soul. She loved to shop. Her first love was to accessorize her jewelry to match all of her clothing. The Rose Garden belongs to God, He decides when a Rose is ready to be plucked. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents: Willie and Corine Wilson, Sr.; son: Craig Wilson, husband: Eugene Preston; siblings: Margaret Wilson, Willie Mae James and Willie (June) Wilson, Jr. On Saturday May 2, 2020, God dispatched His angels to come and pluck His Beautiful Rose-- our beloved Shirley--from His Garden of Roses here on Earth. Shirley leaves memories that will forever be cherished by her daughter: Tandrika Harris (Nosakhere), Winter Garden, FL; three grandchildren: Drakkar, Nosharai and Nasiah Harris, Winter Garden, FL; a devoted nephew whom she reared, Dennis Duval (Shera), Orlando, FL; in addition she nurtured and raised five of her sisters’ children--Antonio, Stephanie Wilson Rochester, New York. Arelius James (Glenda), Orlando, FL, Juanita Furrow, Wayne James,Rochester New York; one living sister: Viola Smith, Rochester, New York; best friend of 71 years, Elizabeth Turner (Jimmy); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins,other relatives, many sorrowing friends and her Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church family. Upon the fulfillment of her appointed day on Earth, God summoned Shirley as stated in Mark 4:34, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."

Tributes

Shirley A. Preston

April 22, 1942 - May 2, 2020