Amanda Noel Evans Preston ["Petie"] of Indian Harbour Beach, Florida died Tuesday, June 4, 2019 after a long illness at home and a short stay at The William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay.

She was born in Louisville, Kentucky August 24, 1937. She was the daughter of the late Major Gordon Burroughs Evans, USA who died in WWII, and the late Diana Woolfolk Hutchings. She graduated in 1955 from Hillsboro High School; 1959 from Vanderbilt University with a BA in Psychology; 1960 Teaching Certification from Peabody College; all in Nashville, Tennessee. She was married to Second Lieutenant Forbes Dix Preston, United States Air Force, on August 20, 1960.

She was an Air Force wife for 27 years and all that entails. She taught first grade in Fort Walton Beach, Florida and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Took a 12 year teaching leave of absence to raise a family and returned in various associations dedicated to educating young children while her own teenage children grew. After moving to Indian Harbour Beach in 1979, she was always involved in children activities and was known as "Miss Petie" in a number of local schools. Petie dedicated her life to teaching, helping and relating to young children and was devoted to raising her own children. Her gentle, loving and caring personality will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of almost 59 years; three children John Herrold Preston IV of Oviedo, Amanda Dianne Preston Rutenberg [Amy] of Palm Bay, and Forbes Dix Preston Jr. [Pres] of Oviedo; John's wife, Jennifer Breslin Preston and their children Cameron Patrick, Lindsay Anne and Sarah Mae; Amy's husband, Mark Rutenberg; and two siblings Gordon Burroughs Evans Jr. [Buzz] and Wayne Bell Glasgow Jr. [Mike] both of Nashville.

As a matter of interest, Petie descends from several Revolutionary War Virginia families; Colonel John Slaughter and Major Gabriel Long. From true pioneer families: Samuel Boone II, who was Daniel's brother. Ann Rogers Clark, who was the sister of General George Rogers Clark "Conqueror of the Old Northwest," and William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Another ancestor was Nimrod Long, whose bank was robbed in Russellville, Kentucky by Jesse James and the Younger brothers' gang March 20, 1868. Nimrod was shot but recovered. She came from the "right stuff" and it is no wonder that she was the "bedrock" of the Preston family.

There will be no formal services. Instead there will be a celebration of her life for her family and friends at a future date.  She will be cremated and rest in an ancient family ceramic vessel at her home in Indian Harbour Beach.  Details will be provided when finalized.

In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest a donation to The Health First Foundation 1350 South Hickory St. Melbourne, FL 32901 and please mark the funds are to go to their Hospice Service Organization.