Willie L. “Vern” Preston

Willie Lavern Preston, affectionately known as “Vern”, was born on August 17, 1972, in Monticello, Mississippi to J.C. Showers and Helen Preston. On September 22, 2026, Vern was called home to rest and be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his father, J.C. Showers.

Vern received his formal education in Monticello, Mississippi and graduated from Lawrence County High School in 1991. He went on to further his education at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Wesson, Mississippi before transferring to Virginia State University, Petersburg, Virginia where he proudly became a Trojan and a member of the VSU Football Team where he earned back-to-back CIAA Championships. He later played arena football for the Richmond Speed and semi-professional football for the Virginia Hornets.

Vern worked at Y-Cap for over 20 years as a Counselor and in various group home and school settings. He was most recently employed with Building Our Youth, LLC and New Day Support Services, LLC as a Qualified Mental Health Professional.

Vern became a member of Quin Temple COGIC in Monticello, Mississippi at an early age. After relocating to Petersburg, VA, he joined Jesus Way Fellowship Center, where he faithfully served over the years as a deacon, praise team leader, usher and on the food bank, nursing home and drama ministries.

Vern leaves to cherish his precious memories: his loving and devoted wife, Lisa Preston, loving mother, Helen Preston, children, daughter, Shanika James and son, Ronald James (Tamika); five grandchildren whom he loved, Elijah Williams, Jesiah James, Tiana James, Tariah James and Taliana James. He is also survived by his brother, Earnest “Mont” Preston (LeKesha), sister, Trinesha Preston-Dixon, sisters-in-law, Dana Clinton and Sharon Plunkett, brothers-in-law, Robert Mitchell and Dorian Mitchell, aunts, Dessie Bennett, Ann Preston, Ruby Davis, and Thelma Powell, Virginia Collins, uncles, Henry Preston, Robert Preston, and Willie Preston, devoted niece, Skyla Preston; devoted cousin, Teresa McNair, godson, Christian Bolar; and a host of cousins, nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews and many friends.

Vern was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan who loved his team with all of his heart. Whether they won or lost, he proudly stood by the Cowboys and enjoyed every game, always showing his team spirit.

Virginia: Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Jesus Way Fellowship Center, 660 South Crater Road, Petersburg, VA, Apostle Elaine Johnson, Pastor, eulogist. 

Mississippi: Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, October 9, 2026, at Quin Temple COGIC, 14 Old Highway 27, Monticello, MS, Elder Lonnie Lenoir, Pastor. The interment will to follow in the Quin Temple COGIC Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view:  https://vimeo.com/event/6233866?fl=so&fe=fs