Myrtle (Harless) Preece
1931—2024
Myrtle Harless Preece, 92, of Inez, went to be with the Lord on March 23, 2024. She passed peacefully at the Martin County Health Care Facility, surrounded by her family.
Born May 19, 1931, she was the daughter of the late V.L. and Mary Bell “Tennie” Harless of Inez and was the proud twin to her brother “Shack.”
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Johnson C. (J.C.) Preece, her son, Terry L. Preece and her 10 brothers, Raymond, Clarence, Dean, Roger, Wheatly, Frank, Leo, Shack, George and Robert.
Survivors include her sister, Lunda Moore; daughter-in-law, Sheila Preece, of Inez; two granddaughters, Christy (Paul) Staten of Union and Tara (Chris) Fletcher of Inez; six great-grandchildren, Ethan, Mia, Maddie, Jesse, Terry and Henry; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Myrtle was an active member of the Inez Nazarene Church. Her devotion was evident in her active involvement where she served as a Sunday school teacher and treasurer. Her fervent prayers and her love for the Lord were an inspiration to all.
At a young age, Myrtle knew she wanted to be a teacher. Her innate ability to connect with and support children allowed her to nurture and guide young minds for over 30 years as a first grade teacher.
Myrtle’s presence in the community was remarkable and her absence will be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy will leave a mark on the hearts of the many she touched.
Her son, Terry, said it best in a Facebook post from 2011: “I have often thought my Mother was a secret angel from heaven. I have always told her one of the first things I shall do when I get there is to find out and then tell her, ‘Told you so!’”
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Crum Funeral Home, Inez, with Nathan Harless officiating. Burial will follow at the Preece Cemetery. Friends may visit the funeral home Tuesday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Crum Funeral Home of Inez.