In Loving Memory of

Mary Belle Newton Preston

January 18, 1936 – September 7, 2020

My life is complete with its intended purpose as I see my blessings in each of you.

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

Committal Sanctuary

2900 Sheridan Road

Saint Louis, Missouri 63125

Friday, September 25, 2020 at 12:45pm

Mary Belle Newton was born on January 18, 1936 to Joel Newton and Clara Mae (McKinney) Newton in their home on 17th and Biddle in Saint Louis, Missouri. Mary was the 12th child born to the couple and the first of two to survive beyond infancy.

Mary was a stellar student and was educated in the Saint Louis Public School System graduating as Salutatorian from Vashon High School in the class of 1953. Mary was a lover of books and words. She spent hours reading and encouraging others to expand their knowledge and understanding of the English language.

Mary met, fell in love, and married her lifelong mate Eugene Preston, Sr. on June 5, 1953. The couple moved into their home on Highland Avenue right before the birth of their third son and spent over 23 years together before Eugene, Sr.’s death in February of 1983. Mary never remarried.

Mary was a hardworking team member for Daniel and Henry Insurance and McDonnell Douglas Aircraft working as a Claims Adjuster and Insurance Auditor. Mary retired from McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in 1998.

Always late to every family reunion, but ON TIME with the best desserts that made the family dinners and gatherings perfect. The Highland House was the center for happiness, excitement, and energy. Everyone knew where to be if they needed to feel welcomed and loved. Mary knew how to comfort you in the worse situations. She was a quiet spirit with a pure genuine heart.

Mary’s life was quiet, simple, and yet poetically eloquent. She made time for those things she defined as “most important”. Most important to her meant family, children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. In her later years, she enjoyed the simplicity of a phone conversation and time with you.

Mary was committed to staying in her Highland home. She left this world for her heavenly space on a warm, late summer’s morning while sitting at her kitchen table having a conversation with her oldest son about a Labor Day Barbecue. A perfect ending of a Family Era preceded in death by her parents Joel Newton and Clara McKinney-Newton, her husband Eugene Preston, her brother Joel Newton, her best/favorite cousin Bettie Jean Joiner, and her youngest son Gary Russell Preston. You will be missed!

Mary Belle Newton Preston leaves to cherish her loving memory: Her sons: David Preston of Saint Louis, Missouri, Eugene Preston (Courtnay) of Saint Louis, Missouri, her daughter: Pamela Jean Preston-Brown (Shawn) of Saint Charles, Illinois, her brothers: Terry Emile Jones (Joyce) and Michael Jones (Kathy) both of Saint Louis, Missouri, four grandsons: Garrett Russell Preston of Saint Louis, Missouri, Richard Eugene Brown (Alexandra) of Menomonee Falls, WI, Eugene Preston, Jr (Zipporah) of Pensacola, Florida, David Alexander Brown of Aurora, Illinois, three granddaughters: Joy Alicia Preston of Saint Louis, Missouri, Takiya Thompson of St. Louis, MO, and Corinne Callie Reed of Saint Charles, Illinois, three great-grandchildren: Ashlee Preston, Kobe Hayden and Koree Hayden, her beautiful daughter-in-life: Margaret Ann Givens, her lifelong best friend (Girlfriend): Tenobia Page, along with a list for a lifetime of nieces, nephews, family, cousins and friends. It’s easy to cherish the memory of such a beautiful spirit. WE love you!

Remains to be committed to

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery Section M 332

************************************************************

The Family of Mary Belle Newton Preston extends a loving

“Thank You”

to the following:

• St. Louis Cremation Services, Saint Louis, Missouri

• Dr. Jennifer Sewing, MD and the staff at Southside Family Practice

• Waltrice Johnson, In-Home Care Provider and Neighbor. Your care was the constant our family needed!

• A special gratitude to Mary’s “Daughter-In-Law” Courtnay Thomas. Thank you for everything!

Your support, kindness and service are gratefully

appreciated and will always be remembered

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Missouri Botanical Gardens

https://support.missouribotanicalgarden.org/commemorative-tribute-gifts