Mary Beth Preas

1965 - 2024

Mary Beth Preas

September 7, 1965 - June 18, 2024

Mary Beth Preas, a beloved wife, mother, and educator, passed away surrounded by her family on June 18th, 2024, In Williamsburg, VA. Born to Sterling and Judy Kane on September 7th, 1965, in Roanoke, Virginia, Mary Beth was 58 years old at the time of her passing.

From the very beginning, Mary Beth knew she was meant to be a teacher. She graduated from Virginia Tech in 1988, with a bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Development and completed her Master's of Education from William and Mary, in 2008, while she was a full-time educator and mom. She served as a Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Assistant Principal throughout her career. She accomplished her childhood dream of founding her own school in 2020, with the opening of her micro-school, Open Gates Learning Center.

Surviving Mary Beth is her High School sweetheart and loving husband of 36 years, Clayton. She also leaves behind their two children, Samuel and Brooke, daughter-in-law Katelyn, and her grandbabies, Kane and Matilda, who are thankful for all the time and love she gave them. Her father Sterling, sister Amy, and brother John also survive Mary Beth.

Mary Beth was preceded in death by her mother Judy, in 2017.

A celebration of Mary Beth's life is scheduled at Bruton Parish, Sunday, June 30th, at 2 p.m. A reception in the Ballroom at Kingsmill on the James will follow at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Williamsburg Hospice House, or to the WJCC Schools Foundation.

Bucktrout Funeral Home is assisting the family.