Ola Mitchell Presson's Obituary
Mrs. Ola Presson passed away on May 19 from complications with Alzheimer's Disease.
She was born in Douglas County, Missouri on June 8, 1927. She graduated salutatorian from Ava High School in 1945 in Ava, Missouri and graduated from Southwest Missouri State University in 1949. She received her Master's Degree in Education from Stephen F. Austin University.
After graduating from high school she attended Southwest Baptist College in Boliver, Missouri on a full scholarship. It was here she met Robert Presson at the local Methodist Church where she played piano. In August of 1950 she flew from Missouri to the Panama Canal to marry Robert. They were married for over 40 years. Mrs. Presson resided in Longview for over 50 years. She taught American Literature at Longview High School for 25 years and retired in1988. Her love of music, literature and nature was an integral part of her life. She spent many years camping in the national and state parks with her family and took special pleasure in visiting Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
She was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church since 1961. She delighted in playing piano for and teaching the John Wesley Sunday School class for many years as well as being a member of the church choir. In addition to her involvement with the church she was also active with The East Texas Historical Museum and a recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award. For many years after her retirement Mrs. Presson enjoyed running into former students and learning what they had been doing since graduation.
Mrs. Presson is survived by Richard and Lynda Presson, and grandson Mitchell of Kingwood, Danny Presson of Longview and Carole Presson of Dallas. She is also survived by nephew Harrison Dunnegan of Ava, Missouri and niece Kay Goss of Mansfield Missouri.
Visitation will be 5:30-7:30 on Friday. A service will be held at Rader Funeral Home on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at Rader Funeral Home in Longview at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Virginia Wall officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens.
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