Melvin Lee PRESTON, Sr.

Melvin Lee Preston, Sr. was born August 8, 1940, in Houston, TX to the late Cortney Francis Jackson and Henry Preston. He was baptized at an early age and was a member of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church. He graduated from Wheatley High School and attended Texas Southern University for several semesters before beginning his job as an inspector at ABB Vetco Gray Tool Company.

Melvin was united in marriage on October 4, 1964, to the love of his life the late Barbara Ann Jackson Preston. For 56 years, they were together and the union born five children: Roy Anthony Preston, Sr., Melvin Lee Preston, Jr., John Henry Preston, Derrick Leon Preston, and Grace Maranda Preston-Jackson.

He loved bowling, playing pool, cooking, watching television, especially Westerns, and spending time with his kids and grandkids. Melvin spent his later years sitting outside watching the cars roll by enjoying a sweet or two, and laughing at a good story.

Melvin was proceeded in death by his parents: Cortney Francis Jackson and Henry Preston, his beloved wife Barbara Ann Jackson Preston, and his brothers: Harold Joe Preston and Cleveland Joe Preston.

He leaves to cherish his memories, four sons: Roy Anthony (Netha) Preston, Sr., Melvin Lee (Edna) Preston, Jr., Rev. John Henry (Elisha) Preston, Derrick Leon (Yolanda) Preston; one daughter Grace Maranda (Brandon) Preston-Jackson; twelve grandchildren: Roy Preston, Jr., Roy Preston, III, Anthony Preston, Antonios Britton, Diamond Preston, Larry Jackson, Nathan Preston, Jeremy (Kourtney) Preston, Sr., Mellaina Preston, Monecia Preston, Johnetta Preston, and London Preston; twenty great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and many friends.