Judy A. Preston

Judy A. Preston, 83, of Morton, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Brandon Wood Retirement Center in Morton, surrounded with love and close family. She was born in Kenney, IL on December 18, 1940, to Richard and Margaret (Thrift) Williamson. She was whisked away in marriage to Robert “Bob” Preston on January 21, 1978; he preceded her in death on February 26, 2013. What a dance Heaven must have had recently. Judy greatly enjoyed cooking, baking and simply serving her family with her love. She often had a knack for being the host with the most. She fervently enjoyed entertaining and caring for her family and friends. Among her talents, she was an avid seamstress, participating in the Salvation Army’s Dress A Doll for many years, putting much love into each doll outfit she designed. Judy also loved to ballroom dance—a pastime she and Bob often shared with others by performing for local nursing homes and assisted living centers. While Judy was resting her dancing feet, she especially enjoyed the time retirement allowed her as a snowbird in Orange Beach, FL. Judy retired from Pekin Insurance, where she worked as a commercial insurance underwriter. She was a valued member of the First United Methodist Church of East Peoria. Judy was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Jo and three granddaughters. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Mike) Burrell of Medora, IN; Bob’s nine children, Bill (Terri) Preston, Judy (Ken) Caldwell, Roger Preston, Steve (Gail Mundt) Preston, Anne (Wendell Howdyshell) Jones, Brian (Brenda) Preston, Donna (Nevin) McElddery, Phil Preston, and Kenny (Becky) Preston; her siblings, John (Donna) Williamson, Bea Sims, and Warren (SonHee) Williamson, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at First United Methodist Church in East Peoria. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria is assisting the family. Private burial will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Kenney. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of East Peoria or the East Peoria Food Pantry. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.

Judy A. Preston

December 18, 1940 - May 21, 2024