OLIVE L. PRESTON

1922 - 2011

Preston, Olive L.

Olive L. Preston, a lifelong resident of New Rochelle, passed away on August 13, 2011. She was born in New Rochelle on January 1, 1922 to Charles Berman Waters, Sr. and Olive (Jones) Waters. She was affectionately known, to family and friends, as Sis.

She was a graduate of New Rochelle High School, where she was one of the first female African-American members of the High School Band. She was involved with music from a young age, playing instruments and she also sang and performed with musical groups such as the Burleighettes and the Silhouettes. Her father, an accomplished musician, actively encouraged Sis to pursue her musical talents.

She was a retired NYNEX employee and a member of the AT & T Pioneers. Sis traveled extensively and enjoyed reading, noting that it expanded her outlook on life. She could always be seen with a crossword puzzle, which she usually completed. She was a lifelong member of Shiloh Baptist Church in New Rochelle, which was founded by her great-grandmother, Eliza Jones. Olive was an active member of the Missionary Group, Adult Group and the Senior Choir, of which she was the oldest member. She also served on Shiloh's Centennial Committee.

Olive is survived by her sons, William and his wife Paula, of North White Plains, Wayne and his wife, Sarah, of New Rochelle and Dennis of Greenburgh. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Lisa Preston, Tamara Clark, Robyn Gisondi, Wayne Preston, Jr., Shelly Mondelli, Leticia Preston and Michelle Spencer, and eight great-grandchildren, William and Nicole Gisondi, Kyra, Alisha and Reina Clark, and Alektra, Skyler and Louis Mondelli and nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Bernetta Blank and her brother, Charles Berman Waters, Jr. (Sonny).

Visiting hours are Saturday from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at Shiloh Baptist Church, 185 Lincoln Avenue, New Rochelle, where services will follow at 9:30 AM. Interment will be at Beechwoods Cemetery, New Rochelle. Arrangements by Barney T. McClanahan F.H., Inc.