Lillian Presnell

In the early morning hours of Friday, June 22, 2018, Lillian Ballew Presnell, age 83, of Marion, North Carolina, went home to be with the Lord and to join her late husband, Kenneth “Ken” Presnell.  A native of Yancey County, North Carolina, born May 08, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Woodrow and Lennie Mace Ballew.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Kenneth “Ken” Arthur Presnell, who passed away on December 22, 2012; two brothers; and one sister. 

A member of the Marion Pilot Club, Lillian was Pilot of the year in 1988-1989, was a member of the Christian Women’s and Teacup Garden Club.  She was a loving military wife, having supported her husband while he served and retired from the United States Air Force. In the early 80’s they moved from Sumter, South Carolina to Marion where they proudly owned and operated Presnell’s General Merchandise in Pleasant Gardens up until Ken’s health began to decline in 2012.  In her spare time, Lillian loved to work in her garden and tending to flowers.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Marion.

Lillian is survived by her two daughters, Marcia M. Presnell and Teresa L. Presnell, both of Marion; three brothers, Jack Ballew and wife, Lodella, Byrl Ballew and wife Ruth and Max Ballew and wife Freida; two sisters, Lois Raymer and husband Eugene and June Suttles.  She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Miss Lillian’s life will be held on Monday, June 25, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Marion with Rev. Matthew Roberts officiating.  Interment will follow at Patton Cemetery in Yancey County.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the church. 

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Presnell’s memory are asked to consider CarePartners Hospice & Palliative Care-McDowell, who took extraordinary care of Lillian and her family, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, North Carolina 28803 (www.carepartnersfoundation.org) and/or Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, Florida 33131 (www.parkinson.org).