Winters Funeral Home | Kosciusko, MS

Obituary For Dwight Presley

Dwight was the fourth of seven children born on October 28, 1950 into the loving family of Wayne Harley and Jessie Luvella Presley. He departed this life on January 4, 2021 when his soul took flight from this world to his heavenly home; a place of peace and eternal rest.

He attended Buffalo, Northside Elementary and Tipton Street High School where he graduated with honors in 1968. Because he was viewed as scholarly, his classmates called him the “Professor.” He matriculated to Mississippi State University in the Fall of 1968 where he earned a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science. He remained a loyal and devoted enthusiast of Mississippi State. MSU memorabilia and Bully, the mascot, can be found in every room of his home, in addition to the Mississippi State attire that he always loved to wear. He received his Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Delta State University in Cleveland, MS and also attended the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School where he completed the Strategic Management in Corrections Program.

Dwight loved the United Methodist Church. He confessed his belief in Christ at an early age at Buffalo United Methodist Church in Kosciusko, MS., where he served, in his youth, as the church’s pianist and was a faithful member of Methodist Youth Fellowship. After moving to the Mississippi Delta, he joined Haven United Church in Clarksdale, MS where he served in many leadership positions including the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, the Trustees Board, Administrative Council, Lay Leader, and a member of the renowned Haven Choir. He remained a faithful member of Haven until he relocated to Ridgeland, MS in 2008. He subsequently, joined Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where one of his best buddies, Rev Dwight Prowell, was the minister at the time. He remained a devoted member of Aldersgate until his passing, where Rev. Johniel Henry presently serves as pastor. At Aldersgate, he also served in a variety of positions and was a member of the church’s choir. Additionally, Dwight was a board member of the Jackson State University John Wesley Foundation. During the 1980s, he attended Beasley United Methodist Church in Drew, MS.

In 1974, Dwight began his lifetime career as a Correctional Counselor at the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) at Mississippi State Penitentiary (Parchman) providing guidance and counseling to inmates. In 1978, he was promoted to Corrections Associate Warden, which included directing the implementation of Community Correctional Treatment Centers. He participated in the funding, construction, and administration of these centers. In 1981, he became Correctional Superintendent of Programs in which he supervised correctional programs such as Voc-Ed, Alcohol and Drugs, and the Law Library. In 1985, Dwight served as Deputy Warden at Parchman, and while serving in this position, he was appointed to Interim Superintendent in the absence of a Warden. In 1986, he coordinated the first inmate graduation exercise in the history of the Mississippi State Penitentiary. In July, 1989, he was appointed Associate Superintendent and in July, 1996, he was appointed to Warden at the Penitentiary until he became the Director of Training at the Central Office in Jackson, MS, in May, 2006. He served in this position until his retirement in May, 2010. His tenure with the Mississippi Department of Corrections spanned 36 years.

In community affairs, Dwight was also very active, especially in Clarksdale-Coahoma County, where he served as the first African American president of the Clarksdale-Coahoma County Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the first Leadership Class of the Chamber of Commerce in Clarksdale, MS. Moreover, he continued to serve in many leadership positions with the Chamber, where the primary goal was to bring industry and manufacturing into the area.

Dwight was well known for his wit, his honesty, his intelligence, and his straightforwardness. You always knew what he thought.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Wayne and Jessie Presley; a sister, Joyce LeJune Presley-Edwards; and a brother, Marlin Kent Presley.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his son Julian(Chelesa), three grandchildren, whom he cherished, Javon (Kyiesha), Ciera and Jensen; a great-grandson, Javon, Jr., Dr. Vivian M. Presley; two sisters, Doretha and Marqueta Presley; two brothers, Lannie (Luvenia) and Dexter(Shirley)Presley; three uncles, Isaac (Mable), Harvey, and Wimbott (Kathy) Presley, and a host of beloved family and friends.

Dwight, we remember and continue to feel your love; the love you had for God, the love you had for the church, and the love you had for family and friends. This legacy of love, integrity, and devotion, which was your life, will never fade away or be forgotten.

All of us who knew him will find solace and comfort knowing that:

He is in every step we take. He is in everything we do. He is in the air we breathe. He is in every beat of our heart. He is like the wind. You cannot see him… but you always feel him.

We love you always, Dwight. Rest in Peace.

PLACE OF GRAVESIDE: Buffalo Cemetery, Kosciusko, MS

DATE OF GRAVESIDE: Saturday, 1/09/2021 at 11:00 a.m.

INTERMENT: Buffalo Cemetery, Kosciusko, MS

VIEWING: Friday 1/08/2021 at 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Guest Book

The family would like to express its deepest gratitude and appreciation for all the kindness, thoughtful gestures, and other expressions of love during these hours of sorrow. Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers. May God richly bless you. ~The Dwight Presley Family~

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I felt so much sadness a couple of weeks ago when I learned of Dwight's illness. I am thankful and grateful to have been associated with him for so many years. Although our lives took us down different paths, we always managed to stay in touch. I was pleased that after avoiding so many school reunion that he participated in our 50th last year. My sincere condolences to the family. I regret that I could not be there physically for his homegoing ceremony. He will be greatly missed. Family, please remember that God has a plan for us all. Dwight completed his plan and is now resting with the Father. God Bless and stay safe! Joyce Burt Williams - Classmate

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My prayers are with the family during this trying time. Dwight was my high school/college classmate and dear friend. I will miss our random phone calls just to touch base and refresh our memories of past events as well as our reflections on aging. Even though I am not able to physically be there for his Home Going, know that I continue to pray for his salvation at this hour. May God continue to Bless the family. Janice Burt Smith

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I forgot to include my name on my condolences to the family of the Presley's (candor, charisma,in integrity & knowledge;Goodbye and Farewell) . I've probably attended my last meeting. God Bless ,Pamela R. Lee

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To the family , you have my greatest sympathy on your loss. Mr .Presley was an integral part of my career at MS Dept. if Corrections. I appreciated his candor, charisma, knowledge and integrity during his tenure At MDOC.You will be missed , I looked forward to our fellowship during our Retirement Meetings. May your spirit continue to soar and be a comfort to your love ones. Good bye and Farwell Mr. Presley.....

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Mr. P as we called him was a dynamic leader a leader who allowed you to shine and didn't want the credit for it. My career got its jump start from Mr. P he said Chatman don't worry about what other say you deserve your promotion and I am proud of you and for you. You educated us, you groomed us and you set us free to become leaders. Love you Mr. P thank you for being the wind beneath my wings.

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Many of us have known Dwight for more than 30 years, most of us generally call him Warden Presley, he was truly a pioneer in the field of Corrections in the State of Mississippi. Dwight had charm, charisma, a way with words, highly intelligent and a gibe for gab. Condolences to Dr. Vivian Presley, his son Julian/Wife, grands, siblings and other family members. We will continue to uplift you in prayer and May God have mercy on our friend and colleague soul. Jesse & Cheryl Smith

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Winters Funeral Home | Kosciusko, MS