Jessie Imogene Preston

Jessie Imogene Gordon Preston, aka “Imogene” and her twin, Eugene Jerry Gordon (deceased at 12 days old), were born in Omaha, Nebraska on November 7, 1931 to Eugene and Flossie Gordon.Jessie grew up in South Omaha, raised not only by her parents, but by an extended family that God blessed her with, namely Charles “Uncle Charlie” Gordon and then wife, Irene, along with Addie (Aunt Addie) Gordon Jones.Under their tutelage, she developed strong values, a determined work ethic and the sense that faith in God and perseverance in life are key.She attended Omaha schools, graduating from Omaha South High in 1948.In 1955, she married Norris E. Preston, Sr. (deceased 1964).Jessie was employed long-term by Philip’s Department Store, University of Nebraska Medical Center and Sam Young’s Service Station. In 1966, recently widowed and with five young children, Jessie gave her life to God.She believed that through prayer and divine intervention, she was introduced to the Seventh-day Adventist denomination which she loved, first becoming a member of the Sharon Seventh-day Adventist Church, and later the Bethesda SDA Temple.She loved to sing and most days could be heard humming whatever was in her heart.She sang in the choir, served on numerous committees, was a church hostess, deaconess, and long-term church treasurer. She loved Sabbath School and made her way to worship, even on the day she became ill.Jessie was an avid seamstress, and would attempt to self-diagnose and repair or rig almost anything (duct tape and super glue were a godsend). Jessie known as Mom, Mom Preston, Grandma, Grandma Preston, Aunt Jessie, and Sister Preston, was a special woman.She loved her children, and all of her grandchildren to a fault.She will be dearly missed. Preceded in death by husband Norris E. Preston, Sr., step-son Norris E. Preston, II, father Eugene Gordon, mother Flossie Lewis Gilmore, twin Eugene Jerry Gordon, sisters Etta Mae Johnson, Vera Irene Hunigan, Betty Jean Ferguson, Lois Lorraine Gordon, and brothers Clifford Gilmore and Joel Gilmore.Survived by children Janice Mangum, Robert (Helen) Preston, Marlena Preston, Thomas (Sandra) Preston, David (Maria) Preston; sister Judy Gilmore, Chicago, IL and brothers Gilbert Gordon and Robert Gordon, 17 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Celebration of Jessie’s Life: Wed., Sept. 13, 2017 at 11:00am at Bethesda Seventh Day Adventist Church (3725 Ames Ave.) Visitation: Tues., Sept. 12, 2017 from 6-8:00pm at Braman Mortuary (72 St. Chapel) Interment: Graceland Park Braman Mortuary ~ 72 St. Chapel 1702 N. 72 St. Omaha, NE68114 402-391-2171