Virginia W. Preston

Virginia W. Preston of Loudonville, NY, passed away on November 2, 2024. 

Born on July 23, 1929 in Oneonta to Fred and Hilda (Diamond) White of Cooperstown, NY. She was raised by her parents and foster parents Bob and Bernice Pickens of Cooperstown. She graduated from Cooperstown Central Schools in 1947 and Sage junior College of Albany in 1985.

Virginia joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in July, 1972. She was a member of the choir, teacher, counselor, and president of the Ward Relief Society. She worked in the family history library for over 50 years including 5 as director. After the TV ministries Roots aired and while she was director, the center was very busy with a staff of 20. There were over 3,000 visitors one year and 2,000 the following year. 

Virginia was a nationally certified ceramic teacher and enjoyed music, dancing (when she was younger), bowling, making & selling crafts, and vacationing on Cape Cod. She made beautiful ceramic pieces, painted realistic landscapes, and made many craft projects with her granddaughters. 

Family was of utmost importance to Virginia. She is survived by her son Robert (Carol) Preston and daughter Debra McAllister; granddaughters Nicole (Derick) Gilmour, Amy (Matthew) Tyler, Melissa, Amanda, Amber & Ashley McAllister; great grandchildren, Timothy, Destyni, Lexi, Liam, Preston, Connor and McKenzie; Nephews, George White, James (Connie) Preston and James (Kristi) Packer; Nieces, Kathleen Perun, Patricia (Robert) Monigle; sister in law Mary Ann Packer. 

She was predeceased by her husband, parents, foster parents, two sisters and son in law. 

The family would like to thank Boyd Richardson from Cooperstown and Karen Short of Oneonta who were a great source of support and comfort when she was in the Cooperstown Center this past summer. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Menands Animal Shelter or the charity of one's choice. 

A church service will be organized and announced once scheduled. Please check back regularly for details.