Vivian Artneal Wilson Preston was born January 25, 1926, the second child of the late Brooks and Corean Wilson in Blaackwell, Arkansas. She confessed her hope in Christ at age 11, was baptized, and united with St. Matthew #3 Baptist Church. She was one of a huge number of candidates being baptized after a two (2) week Church Revival.
She worked in all phases of the church as a child, and continued in her adult years, until God called her home to heaven. Vivian attended Rural Elementary and junior high school in Blackwell and Morrilton Arkansas. Upon graduation from Morrilton High School, her father brought her to Kansas City Kansas and located her with family friends.
Vivian was very disciplined in doing what her father instructed, however, one Sunday she decided to attend the 8th Street Baptist Church. Soon after, she started attending 8th Street. Vivian met the love of her life, Beryl LeFrance Preston Sr
She and Beryl were married April 27, 1947. She was blissfully married to Beryl LeFrance Preston Sr. for 49 years. Four precious beautiful children were born to this union: Franklin DeJuanette, Alda Sheverlia, Alicia Margarita, and Beryl LeFrance Jr
This happy marriage sadly dissolved in 1996. Vivian was a faithful member of Eighth Street Baptist Church for over 70 years. She worked tirelessly and faithfully in several areas of the Church.
Vivian was instrumental in the formation of the Young Adult Choir. After reaching the (then mandatory) age of 35, she transitioned to the Imperial Choir where she faithfully served. Vivian had a beautiful lyrical solo voice and led several anthems as a member of both choirs.
Vivian was called to the Deaconess Ministry when her husband was selected to become a member of the Deacon Board. She served faithfully in this capacity for over 62 years including more than 25 years as Deaconess Board Chair. Vivian served as a Sunday School teacher, BTU worker, Sadie Johnson Crusaders Mission Circle, and participant regularly attended prayer meeting.
She was faithful in these activities as long as her health allowed her to do so. Vivian truly believed in God and made every effort to let you know it. She and her husband taught their children to participate in as many available activities as possible as she worked to make sure they were nurtured spiritually.
In her last years, Vivian was only able to come to church a few times, but the joy it brought her each time she could come was readily evident on her face. Vivian was the consummate homemaker. At her husband’s insistence, she did not work outside the home but concentrated on raising her four children and maintaining the household.
In her later years Vivian worked as an election worker during local elections. In 1996, the marriage that helped make this happy life sadly ended in divorce. Vivian is survived by three sisters (Blondia Jordan, Hampton Virginia), Dr. Willarene Beasley (James) Roseville Minnesota); Dr. Jacqueline Hughes (Percy) Minneapolis Minnesota), Four children (Franklin Troy Michigan; Dr. Alda Preston Kansas City Kansas); Alicia Saunders (Paul) Kansas City Kansas; Beryl Preston Jr (Leslie) Kansas City Kansas.
Twelve grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews and her loving church family, many- many friends. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Eight Street Baptist Church 1420 North 8th Street KCK 66101. Visitation 9:00 A.M. Private disposition.
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