Phyllis Preston

Phyllis Jean Preston, age 92, of Howard, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 23, surrounded by the love of her family.

Phyllis was a woman of deep and unwavering faith, a devoted follower of Christ whose life reflected kindness, compassion, and grace. She was a long time member of Hayden Baptist Church and an honorary member of Fredericktown Freewill Baptist Church. Her love for the Lord was evident in all she did, and church was not just a place she attended, but a community she cherished and thought of as family. She found joy in worship, comfort in scripture, and purpose in serving others.

Family was the center of Phyllis’s world. She was a loving and dedicated mother whose care, wisdom, and steady presence shaped the lives of those she held dear. As a grandmother, she brought warmth, laughter, and gentle guidance, creating memories that will be treasured for generations. Her love extended beyond her immediate family to dear friends who quickly became like family, each touched by her kindness and genuine spirit.

Phyllis had a gift for making others feel seen, valued, and loved. Whether through a kind word, a warm meal, or a listening ear, she showed up for people in ways that truly mattered. Her life was a reflection of her faith—a quiet but powerful testimony of love, humility, and devotion.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Everett Preston Jr., her son, Timothy Preston, and her grandson, Rob Oser. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Russell Young and Alta Carpenter, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Everett and Mae Preston, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Doug and Wilma Faye Borders, her sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Jay Lemaster, and her brother and sister-in-law, Russell and Sue Young.

Phyllis is lovingly survived by her children: Everett Russell (Tina) Preston of Gray Court, South Carolina, Dave (Debbie) Preston of Hilliard, Ohio, daughter-in-law Brenda Preston of Urbana, Ohio, and Debbie (Matt) Minton of Howard, Ohio.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her many grandchildren: Michael (Alyssa) Minton, Preston Minton, David (Lesa) Preston, Kevin (Stephanie) Preston, Keith Preston, Codie (Jason) White, Joanna Mathes, Michael King, Jennifer Miller, Summer Storey, Kyle Oser, and Lynsie (Jason) Calhoun. Cherished great-grandchildren: Austin, Sydney, and Taylor Preston, Samantha (Michael) Reardon, Eric Mathes, Colton and Remmie White, Gage and Logan Calhoun, Andre (Maria) Robinson, Devin (Torree) Cobern, and Darion Robinson.

Phyllis will be remembered for the love she so freely gave throughout her life, her unwavering faith, and the strong foundation she built for her family. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she is at peace in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

Family will receive friends 1-3 pm and 5-7 pm Tuesday at the TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, OH 43026. Funeral service will be held 10:30 am Wednesday at Hayden Baptist Church, 6729 Hayden Run Rd., Hilliard, OH 43026; with Rev. Steve Hicks and Rev. Aaron Boggs officiating. Interment Alton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hayden Baptist Church.