"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Deaconess Rosa T. Preston was born on the second Sunday, the twelfth day of July 1938, to her parents the late Freddie Converse Thomas, Sr. and Henrietta Lilly Thomas. She was the second child and the oldest daughter of four girls and four boys. She grew up in the Eden Park area.

Deaconess Rosa T. Preston was baptized in 1948 by Rev. James Hayes at the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church on North 35th Street. She was active in the church's Junior Choir, Sunday School, Church BYTU, and a delegate for the Emanuel Aid Association and Sunday School sessions. She moved her membership to the Elm Grove Baptist Church under the late Rev. J. R. Williams in 1958 with her family.

In 1963, Deaconess Rosa T. Preston married her high school sweetheart, Deacon Samuel Preston. They had five lovely children.

Deaconess Rosa T. Preston's educational background began in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System where she graduated third in her class from Capital Senior High School in 1957. She matriculated her collegiate career at Grambling State University for three memorable semesters. After returning home, she continued her studies at Southern University and A&M College where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Secondary School of Mathematics in 1962, and a Master's Degree in Education, plus 30 hours in 1977. Continuing additional studies at the University of Iowa, University of Missouri, Southern Illinois University, and Louisiana State University. She taught Basic Math and Algebra for 8 years at Capital Senior High School, and Geometry, Trigonometry, and Algebra I & II for 17 years at Broadmoor Senior High School. After she reached her fulfillment in her career, she retired in May of 1986.

Deaconess Rosa T. Preston joined the True Light Baptist Church in 1975 under the leadership of the late Elder C. A. Forrest, and presently under Pastor Dennis R. Hebert, Sr. She served on the Deaconess Ministry, which is now the Mission Sisters Ministry, Vacation Bible School Co-director, Tutor, and one of the first six Senior Citizens members. She was an inactive member of the True Light Baptist Church Order of Eastern Stars Chapter #70, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Deaconess Rosa T. Preston's favorite bible verse was Psalm 23, and her favorite hymn was "None but the Righteous Shall See God." She loved praising and worshiping the Lord and took great pride in knowing that no matter the situation, God would always see her through. She prayed and inspired everyone. In her final days, her ability to talk lessened, but she continued to sing praises to God. She loved her family and her church; she never greeted you without letting you know that it is a reality in serving THE TRUE and LIVING GOD.

Deaconess Rosa T. Preston leaves behind to cherish her precious memories and continue fulfilling her legacy: one son, Keith L. Preston; three daughters: Felicia L. Preston, Minister Ursula Preston Hill, and Marcia D. Preston; twelve grandchildren: Holly Bell, Chelsea Brooks, Herbert Brooks, IV, Preston Hebert Brooks, Tyeasha Preston, Chloe Preston, Tyler Preston, Clarise Preston, Ulicia Hill, Chastity Preston, Tyrisea Preston, and Tyrell Preston; twelve great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; one godson, Andrew Walker; one brother, John Allen Thomas, Sr. (Susie); three sisters: Daisy T. Morris, Dorothy T. Hunter, and Cathy T. Davis; three sisters-in-law, Doris Thomas, Barbara Thomas, and Lucille Preston Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband Deacon Samuel Preston; two daughters, Valencia Preston Brooks and Patricia Faye Akins; her parents Mr. & Mrs. Freddie Converse and Henrietta Thomas, Sr.; brothers, Freddie Converse Thomas, Jr., Leroy Thomas, Sr., and Henry James Thomas, Sr.