Melissa Marie Preston

Melissa Marie Preston, 69, of Bristol, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 28, 2024.

Melissa was born in Norfolk, Virginia on Halloween in 1954, which could not have been a better fit for her personality. She was spicy, loving, sharp - she loved hard.

As a preacher’s daughter, born to the late Frank and Eleanor Preston of Holston Valley, she grew up in various places and ultimately graduated from Vanguard High School in Ocala, Florida. She attended college in Tennessee at King College and graduated from the University of South Florida.

Melissa established herself in Tampa and soon became a legendary high school English teacher and restaurateur. She spent her summers and later years in her career managing her sister Mary’s East Hollywood restaurant, Birds Cafe.

Melissa made a lifelong mission to take in foster, abused, or abandoned cats, nurturing them back to health and providing a safe and sound home for them. 

Melissa is survived by two siblings, Mary and Jeffrey Preston, as well as her 11 cats.

“She was the glue that held everything together” - Mitzi, first cousin.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 12, at Green Spring Presbyterian Church in Abingdon, Va. with the Rev. Diedra Crosby officiating. Visitation and reception will be held immediately following after the graveside service in the church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to Melissa’s favorite rescue, Dos Rios Resque [a 510(c)(3)] in Bristol, Tenn., by contacting dosriosresque@yahoo.com or donating via https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/dosriosresque.

The family of Melissa Preston is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Location, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, Va. (276-623-2700).