Updated Release - Lilburn Mourns Passing of Former Mayor
Reissuing this press release due to the following corrections:
Mrs. Preston passed away on Monday.
Services will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
December 12th of each year to be observed as "Diana Preston Day".
For immediate release
November 7, 2018
LILBURN — The City of Lilburn mourns the passing of Diana Preston, former councilwoman, mayor, and longtime public servant.
Mrs. Preston passed away on Monday. Services will be held on Monday, November 12 at 11 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 801 Tom Smith Rd, SW, Lilburn.
Mrs. Preston served on the Lilburn City Council for twenty-two years and was elected Mayor of the City of Lilburn in November 2007, becoming the first woman in city history to hold that position. She also served as a charter member of the Lilburn Planning Commission and a member of the Lilburn Merit Board.
As a member of Lilburn City Council, one of Mrs. Preston’s many responsibilities included parks, recreation, and community activities. She was instrumental in the creation of Camp Creek Greenway Trail, which has become a popular attraction in Lilburn. Mrs. Preston led the rededication of Lilburn City Park in 2004, Lilburn’s Centennial Celebration in 2010, and set in motion the project to build the current City Hall-Library. She was also instrumental in helping form the Lilburn Community Improvement District along the US Highway 29 corridor in 2010.
“Diana’s dedication and love for her community was unmatched,” City Manager Bill Johnsa said. “She touched many lives and will be greatly missed.”
Originally from Charleston, SC, Mrs. Preston moved to the Lilburn area in 1970. She retired from Gwinnett County Public Schools after 30 years of service, having worked as a teacher, coordinator, and administrator. Mrs. Preston served as president of Gwinnett Municipal Association, graduated from Leadership Gwinnett, and served on the Board of Directors for Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful. In 2007 she was recognized as one of Gwinnett’s most influential women. She later formed Lilburn Community Partnership, a nonprofit organization designed to bring the Lilburn community together through events and programs that continues today. For her many years of service and dedication, the City of Lilburn signed a proclamation earlier this year declaring December 12th of each year to be observed as “Diana Preston Day”.
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