Sylvia L. Preston

Sylvia Lee Preston, beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend, peacefully passed away at 6:25 am on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Penn Medicine Princeton in Plainsboro, N.J. Born in Trenton, N.J. on April 14, 1942, Sylvia was a lifelong resident of the area until recently relocating to neighboring Ewing N.J. Together with her late husband with whom she shared 66 loving years of marriage, she lived a deeply fulfilling life, raising their children in the family home in East Trenton, where they would reside for over 50 years. That home—built on a foundation of love, support, and integrity—continues to leave a legacy on the generations that follow.

Sylvia was educated in the Trenton schools, earning her diploma from Trenton Central High School in 1962. In her professional career, she was a hardworking enterprising woman throughout her life. As a young woman, she took her very first job at Arnold Constable, an upscale retail department store, where she worked as an elevator operator and later moved into a role as a sales representative. She then transitioned to banking, working as a bank teller at Trenton Trust. Throughout a series of mergers and acquisitions, she remained a dedicated employee until her retirement from Wachovia Bank. Alongside her professional career, she channeled her vibrant, social personality into independent sales, achieving great success with catalog brands like Popular Club, Princess House, and Park Lane Jewelry. Through this work, she made lasting connections with customers and became a familiar, welcoming face in the community.

Throughout her life Sylvia remained a woman of unwavering faith who dedicated her life through baptism as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on September 20, 1958. Her love for Jehovah and being one of his faithful representatives was central in her life. She thoroughly enjoyed attending congregation meetings, conventions, field service, and Bible studies. A special highlight of Sylvia's service was when she had the opportunity to serve as an auxiliary pioneer, which brought her great joy and fulfillment. She would often open her home to host gatherings for her spiritual brothers and sisters, offering warm hospitality and a welcoming space filled with love, laughter and fellowship. Sylvia remained steadfast, faithfully bearing witness to the truth until her passing.

Beyond her professional life and dedicated ministry, she was an avid traveler who loved exploring the world. Over the years, she took trips to Europe, including Greece and Paris, as well as trips to tropical islands, including Hawaii, creating beautiful memories with family and friends along the way. She also enjoyed taking cruises and bus trips. Sylvia loved the outdoors, introducing her family to camping and sharing relaxing days at the beach. The annual family trips to Orlando, Florida, became a cherished tradition, allowing for meaningful bonding, family fun, and wonderful memories with her grandchildren.

Throughout her later years and up to her passing, she enjoyed spending time by the ocean at her favorite spots—Brigantine, Wildwood, and Rehoboth beaches and relaxing spa visits. Closer to home, she was famous for her cooking. Family and friends will deeply miss dishes like her legendary apricot cheesecakes, sausage and peppers, and meatballs. She enjoyed watching televised sporting events and cheering for her favorite local teams - the Phillies, Sixers, and Philadelphia Eagles.

Sylvia was a stylish woman who took great pride in her appearance, always presenting herself with class in polished, beautifully coordinated attire. Above all, she poured her heart into her family, her faith, and every aspect of her life. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, commitment, and dedication for her family and friends to cherish. Her encouragement, wise guidance, and radiant essence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Predeceased by her parents Mallalieu Green and Elizabeth Green, husband Roy O. Preston Sr., first Baby boy Roy, son Roy O. Preston Jr., brother Maurice (Ricky) Albert Green, niece 
Michelle Green, grandson Tyron Hinton, and stepbrother and sister-in-law William K. and Jacqueline Holzendorf, stepsisters Penni Utley and Hermionne Powell. She is survived by and leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted daughter Renee Preston - Inman (Rondell), sister Jill Jenkins (Clayton), sister-in-law Gwendlyn Owens, grandchildren Nakia Preston-Teel (Martin), Michael Hinton, Roy O. Preston III (Michelle), Courtney Hart, Nia Alan Mendes (Emilio), great grandchildren Brienna Perry (Jonathan) Ciani Stokes, Miles Stokes, Christian Preston, Bria Preston, Cierra Acevedo, Arianna Acevedo, Victoria Acevedo, great greatgrandchildren Alaya Perry, Arianna Perry, Noah Cannon, and Isla Figueroa. Bonus grandchildren Daniel Inman, Amin Inman, Shira Brown, and Dominque George, and a host nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. 

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Diane Porter, Joyce Williams, Sylvia Kelly, Artie Sherman, and Valarie Levine for so generously offering their time and support to help with at-home care. A sincere thank you to Pasquel Pratico for his comforting presence and heartfelt bedside prayer. And to Ryan Fulwood, for always being a dependableresource for computer and technical guidance.

 A Memorial service will be held at 1pm Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses,1581 6th St., Ewing, NJ 08638. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in memory of our loved one to one of the following organizations:

JW.org – Supporting worldwide Bible education and humanitarian relief

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) – Advancing research, patient support, and advocacy for pancreatic cancer

Donations may be made directly through the organizations’ websites.

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