Vivian Miller Preston

Vivian Miller Preston, 88 went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 2, 2012. Funeral services are planned for 2 p.m., Monday, February 6, 2012, at First Baptist Church of Shallowater, Texas with Revs. Mitch Wilson, Walter Goodnight, Boyd Pearce, and Gordon Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Resthaven Saturday.

Vivian was born August 14, 1923 in Stephenville, Texas to Joseph and Hattie (Williams) Miller. She graduated from Shallowater High School in 1942 where she was named, “Girl of the Year”. She married Norvin Neff Preston Dec. 24, 1941 at the First Baptist Church in Shallowater. Those that love her most describe her as the anchor, the peacemaker, the rock, the glue, and she always looked for the best in all people and in all circumstances.

Vivian was a member of First Baptist Church in Shallowater for more than 80 years where she served in many roles in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, G.A.s, YWAs, WMU, and many more. She was a world-traveler and passionate fan of the game of basketball, rarely missing a Dallas Mavericks or Baylor Woman’s game on TV. She was known to journey far and wide to support her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Above all, she loved her family, friends, community, and church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Neff in 2007.

Vivian is survived by her daughter, Judith Hodnett and her husband, Larry, of Lubbock; son, Butch Preston and his wife, Renee of Friona; daughter, JoAnn Pointer, and her husband, Tommy, of Amarillo; grandchildren, Rebecca Smallwood, Johnna Pointer, Sindy Wilson, Susie Perkins, Vanessa McCallie, Jo Hodnett, Bree Reid, Shelley Henson, Amanda Cooper, Kit Preston, and Kalley Preston; 19 great-grandchildren; niece, Jan Roberts and her husband John; trusted helper and friend, Hazel Taylor Darceuil; and a host of other family members and friends. She was lovingly called “Murm” by all.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

Memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church of Shallowater, First Baptist of Bovina, Texas, or Calvary Baptist of Friona, Texas.