Preston Spears quietly slipped into eternal rest on Saturday night, Oct. 11, 2003, in Louise Obici Memorial Hospital. He was born February 14, 1917 in Bennettsville, S.C. to the late Grant H. Spears, and Luticia Pearson.

Preston was educated in the public schools of South Carolina and New York. He worked as an electrician for the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Ledle Pharmaceutical Co. He retired in 1984. Preston married Marie Cofield in 1951. They lived in Nyack, N.Y. where they attended St. Phillips AME Church. At St. Phillips Preston started the Men’s Usher Board and was a trustee and layman. They relocated to Suffolk and joined Macedonia AME Church in 1987. At Macedonia, Preston was a steward, a member of the lay organization, a former member of the Finance Committee, a missionary associate, a son of Allen, a member of the Wednesday Night Bible Study and church school, and a 2003 Man of the Year.

Preston was a life member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York.

To cherish his memory, Preston leaves his wife Marie Cofield Spears, three daughters, Mrs. Joan S. Trotman of South Carolina; Mrs. Laura S. Francis (Calvin) of New York, and Mrs. Ruth C. Carter (Stanley) of New Jersey; one son, Mr. Grant H. Spears II of New York;. 19 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by a son, George Cofield.

Viewing will be from noon-7 p.m. Wednesday. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Macedonia AME Church on Pine St. Interment will be in Meadowbrook Masoleum. Professional services are en-trusted to T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home.