Esther Stuart Presnell

Esther Stuart Presnell died on Tuesday, March 28, 2017, after a long life well-lived. She was born on January 30, 1932, and was the daughter of Bertha and Charlie Stuart of Ramseur, North Carolina. She was married for 67 years to Lacy M. Presnell, Jr.

Esther loved spending time with family and friends and helping people in need. She was a kind and loving lady with a special gift of hospitality. She enjoyed cooking and often shared food and special desserts with others. Continuing a long-established annual tradition, in November and December 2016, Esther baked more than 150 cakes as Christmas gifts.

She was employed by the State of North Carolina for many years, working at the State Capitol, the Capital Area Visitors Center, and the Bailey-Tucker House. Esther was selected as the first manager of the Bailey-Tucker House when it became the state guest house. Between 1983 and 1989, she was responsible for all guest house operations. In addition to

entertaining state officials and guests, she regularly cooked meals and cleaned the house and guest rooms.

Esther traveled the world with her husband, Lacy, while he served as a member of the board of directors of Lions International. They also traveled throughout North Carolina for many years attending Lions Club meetings. In recognition of this service, the North Carolina Lions Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) Fishing tournament named its VIP Ambassador Award in honor of Esther and Lacy Presnell.

Esther is survived by her husband, Dr. Lacy M. Presnell, Jr; a son, Lacy M. Presnell III and his wife Sydnor Presnell; and a daughter, Anne Joyner and her husband Jae Joyner; grandchildren, Stuart Presnell and his wife Meghan, Gretchen Presnell Hyde and her husband John, and Tyson Presnell, and Micah Joyner, his wife Tiffany and their children Mariah and Mason Joyner. She is also survived by and enjoyed a special relationship with nieces and nephews and a former neighbor, Doug Holbrook, whom she considered part of the family.

The family is grateful for the care and support of Dr. James Parsons, the staff at the Oaks at Mayview, and Transitions LifeCare.

A memorial service will be on Friday, March 31, 2017, at 2:00 pm at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, NC 27608. The family will visit with friends on Thursday, March 30, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Stag Club, 8001 Ray Road, Raleigh, NC 27613.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lacy Presnell Scholarship Fund at Elon University, 2600 Campus Box, Elon, NC 27244, the NC Lions VIP Fishing Tournament, P.O. Box 140, Columbia, NC 27925, or another charity.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St., Raleigh.