September 16, 1951 – March 20, 2026
Connie Ann May Preston, 74, of Opelika, AL, passed away on March 20th, 2026, surrounded by loving family. Connie was born in Opelika, the daughter of Andrew Richard May and Minnie Moncus May. She graduated from Beauregard High School and went on to earn Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music from Auburn University. Connie married Phillip Preston in August 1973 in Auburn, AL. After a brief residence in Austin, TX, they returned to Opelika for the remainder of their marriage.
Connie is survived by her husband Phillip; children Anna Preston (Matthew Cramer) of Haddonfield, NJ, Amy Page (Jon) of Alexandria, VA, and Andrew Preston (Brooke) of Dothan, AL; grandchildren Amelie Cramer, Taylor Preston, George Cramer, and Barrett Preston; sister Carol Long (Terry) of Opelika; sister-in-law Marilyn Brown (Floyd) of Smiths, AL; nieces and nephews Wendy Calvert (Jeff) of Pelham, AL, Richard Long (Lynielle) of Vestavia, AL, Adam Long (Angela) of Alex City, AL, Laura Beth Peterson (Chris) of Smiths, AL, Hillary Moore (Darryl) of McCalla, AL, Mary Katherine Myrick of Smiths, AL; and grandnieces and nephews Josh Calvert, Mary Frances Peterson, Noah Long, Elijah Long, Elijah Calvert, Annie Peterson, Lily Myrick, Olive Long, Abigail Long, Abigail Calvert, Simon Long, Bella Moore, and Thomas Myrick.
Connie was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother (Nonni), aunt, great-aunt, friend, and community member. Always selfless, loving, and supportive, Connie will be remembered for her devotion to family, the joy she found in her grandchildren, her sharp wit and unique turns of phrase, her delight at the beach, her knack for giving the perfect gift, the tears a Puccini aria would bring to her eyes, her utter magic in the kitchen, the way she anticipated everyone’s needs, her commitment to showing up for anyone and everyone, her fierce protection of those she loved and her insatiable love and collection of flamingos.
Funeral services will be held at 6pm on Saturday, March 28 with visitation following at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home and Crematory in Opelika, AL. Donations in Connie’s memory may be made to the Spencer Cancer Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, or Boys and Girls Club of the Wiregrass-Dothan.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
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