Preston Theodore Best

Preston Theodore Best, often referred to as “Ted,” was born on February 16, 1939, in Whiteville, North Carolina. He was the second oldest son of Clarence Eugene Best and Essie Powell Best. After a brief illness, Preston transition to be with his heavenly Father on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Suburban Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland.

Upon graduating from Mt. Olive High School in 1957, he ventured to the District of Columbia to seek employment in the Federal Government, Bureau of Engraving, where he worked for over 40 years before retiring. Preston loved the Washington, D.C. area. He frequently returned to visit and vacation near his hometown, Whiteville, N.C.

Preston met the love of his life, Myrtle Loretta Best also from Whiteville, N.C., and they married shortly thereafter. Preston and Myrtle bore two children, Loretta Best-Henry and Andre Best. Preston never missed an opportunity to care for Myrtle even at the expense of his own health. Both recently celebrated their birthdays together in February. Upon his transition, Preston and Myrtle had been married for over 63 years.

Throughout their lives, Preston and Myrtle shared a wonderful life together and traveled throughout the world both internationally and domestically. However, their favorite vacation destination was Myrtle Beach, S.C. which was near family and relatives.

Preston was Baptist and attended in his youth Mount Olive Baptist Church in Whiteville, N.C. He then joined Michigan Park Christian Church in Washington, D.C. and was a member for over 40 years until 2015 when Preston became a dedicated, compassionate full-time caretaker for his loving wife. During recent years, Preston and Myrtle fulfilled their religious worship by watching Christian channels and listening to gospel radio.

Preston was a very committed provider, protector of his family and smart real estate investor with his wife. His business acumen and work ethic permitted him to enjoy a peaceful, comfortable retirement enjoying gardening, backyard barbeques, and interacting with his neighbors and friends. He especially enjoyed eating fried fish and crabs, watching sports, attending antique cars shows, and analyzing people. He also enjoyed watching his son and five grandsons play in football games.

Ted and Myrtle loved company and always stocked their home with southern style food and Motown music to complement conversations and add to the good times. No one left Ted and Myrtle’s home hungry or without a since of belonging.

Preston was a tough teacher to his children and grandchildren and believed that education was useless without common sense and life skills.

Preston was a very giving and generous soul. He was friendly and straight forward toward everyone he met and often put you in your place if required. In his last days, Preston never complained about his health, and he transitioned peacefully to be with his Father in Heaven.

Preston is survived by his wife, Myrtle Loretta Best; his children, Loretta Olivia Best-Henry (Oral Henry) and Andre Theodore Best (Annette Best); his grandchildren, Andre Best, Alex Best, Austin Best, William Harris and Maurice Harris; his sister, Claudette McKenzie (Amon McKenzie); his brothers James Benjamin Best and Lester Andrew Best (Barbara Best), and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, church family and friends.