Preston and Verta Mae Waller

Preston and Verta Mae went to their eternal rest this week at their home in Baton Rouge within three days of one another, just as they wished. They had been married for 73 1/2 years, beginning their life together as sweethearts when they were just 16 years old and marrying at 17 on November 14, 1942. They were devoted and faithful to each other, as well as their family and many friends throughout their years together. Their greatest joy and devotion, however, was in knowing and serving their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Preston Allen Waller was born in Baton Rouge to the late Preston Allen Waller, Sr., and Willie Mae Ainsworth Waller on February 26, 1925. He departed this life on Monday night, May 16, following a brief illness. After his father passed away when he was three years old, his mother remarried the late A.C. "Bill" Beard who raised Preston as his own. A graduate of Baton Rouge High, Preston was a retired supervisor with Exxon Corporation, formerly Standard Oil. A kind and gentle man, he was meticulous, thorough, honest, and ethical in all his doings. He endeavored to lead his family into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ by his example. In his later years, when his wife's health declined, he was a loving and patient caretaker. Verta Mae Ballow Waller was born in Crystal Springs, Mississippi on May 1, 1925 to James Martin Ballow and Cora Corine Cox Ballow. She entered into new life, greeted by her Savior and loving husband on Thursday, May 19. Her father, like Preston's, passed away just before she turned three. She was raised by her precious mother and graduated from high school in Crystal Springs. A homemaker all her life, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and mother-in-law. Known as Bert, Mother, MawMaw, and NumNum, her greatest joy was in serving her family and her church as long as her health permitted. Preston and Verta Mae are survived by their sons and their wives, Preston Richard "Dickie" and Murree Greer Waller of Sevierville, Tennessee, and Randall and Robin Murphy Waller of Denham Springs; four grandchildren, Alisa Hughes, Jacki Cook and husband Bryan, Amber Allen and husband Jay, and Alexander Preston Waller "Little Man"; four great-grandchildren, Brittany, Jesse, Cliff, and Kody; a great-great-granddaughter, Lillian Murree; a brother and his wife, Richard A. and Louise Waller of Prairieville and a host of nieces and nephews. They were preceded in death by their parents, a great-grandson Chris; Preston's sister Dorothy, Verta Mae's sister Helen, and brothers Henry Carl and Marshall Foch Ballow. They were longtime members of Grace Family Church, formerly Baton Rouge Christian Center, and Exxon Annuitant's Club. A celebration of their life will be held on Saturday, May 21 at Greenoaks Funeral Home with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until services at 11:30 a.m. officiated by Revs. Richard L. Holland and Michael F. Davis, with interment to follow in Greenoaks Mausoleum. Special thanks to their dear longtime neighbors and friends, caregivers, especially Mona Boudreaux, and St. Joseph's Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you spend time with your loved ones, especially those in their later years. Cherish your family and above all, tell them about Jesus! -Arrangements under the direction of Greenoaks Funeral Home, Baton Rouge, LA.