Heartfelt Memories of Marlin Derek Preston.
Marlin Derek Preston, son of the late Morris Preston and Natalie Robinson-Bryant was born October 16, 1974, in Detroit, Michigan. At the age of four years old, Marlin relocated to St. Augustine, Florida. He grew up in the Lincolnville area, better known as the “O.T”. Marlin attended R.B. Hunt Elementary School, Ketterlinus Middle School, and was a 1993 graduate of St. Augustine High School. His daughter will receive his Posthumous Degree from Keiser University, where he declared his major in Medical Administrative Billing & Coding. Marlin was employed as a machine operator at Greif Industrial Product Group in Palatka, Florida. His Christian affiliation started at First Baptist Church, St. Augustine, Florida and later in life at Hopewell Baptist Church in Mandarin, Florida. Marlin loves spending time with his close-knit family, vacationing together, an avid sports fanatic (it’s all about the U), bowling, playing cornhole and just bonding. He is preceded in death by his father, Morris Preston; maternal grandmother, Claudia Jones; paternal grandfather, Morris Alvarez; and paternal grandmother, Mary Preston. Marlin entered the sunset of life October 25, 2022, at Putnam Community Medical Center in Palatka, Florida. He leaves to cherish his memories, devoted mother, Natalie Bryant; the apple of his eye, daughter Nadia Preston; Palm Coast, Florida, Siblings, Mark (Cynthia) Preston; Palm Coast, Florida, Mia (Davin) Harris; Jacksonville, Florida, Anthony Trotman; Charlotte, North Carolina, Xerxes Preston, Detroit, Michigan, Nieces and Nephews, Raven Preston, Mikayla Preston, Tre Preston, Addison Harris, Ashlynn Harris, Kiara Davis, Liam Davis and Camille Trotman. Aunts, Beverly Gibson, Barbara Hankerson; Palm Coast, Florida, Rosemary Austin; St. Augustine, Florida, Lillie (Eddie) Rouse; Mt. Dora, Florida. Uncles; Leonard (Paulette) Preston, Samuel (Karen) Preston; Palm Coast, Florida, Sandy (Estelle) Preston, Emanuel (Armetta) Preston; St. Augustine, Florida. Cousins by the dozens, extended mother-in-love, Beverly Trotman. Life-long friends; Larry Douglas, Kire McCalvin, Dwight James, Anthony L. Royster Sr., Henry Davis, Noel Garsuka, Vick Johnson, Malcolm Phillips, and a host of relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends and the community 6-7p.m., Friday, November 4, 2022, at New St. James Missionary Baptist Church, St. Augustine. A Celebration of Life will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, November 5, 2022, at New St. James. Interment: Evergreen Cemetery, St. Augustine
Mary Jean Davidson sent Glimmer Spray for Marlin Derek Preston - November 04, 2022
On behalf of your Mecklenburg County work family, our deepest condolences for the loss of your brother, Marlin. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Elizabeth Trotman sent Beautiful Dreams for Marlin Derek Preston - November 03, 2022
Marlin was such a kind soul. I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for God's comfort and peace.
Elizabeth Trotman
Horace C. Martin planted 5 trees in memory of Marlin Derek Preston . - November 04, 2022
My sincerest condolences to Ms. Natalie, Mark (Cynthia), Meyah and the Preston Family.
Marlin was always kind hearted wearing an infectious smile. He was an overtown neighborhood and church (First Baptist) childhood friend.
May God provide peace, comfort, and courage at this time of sorrow.
With heartfelt sympathy
India Bennett Williams and Family
My condolences go out to the Preston family. I was saddened by hearing Marlin had passed. I met Marlin when we worked together years ago and was always so sweet and kind a person you never forget.May God comfort in your time of bereavement. Constance Garden Oxendine
My condolences to the family. I pray God will comfort each of you. I met Marlin when I lived Ova Town attending R B Hunt School and we've been friends ever since. Marlin has always been a great person and had a smile that would light up any room. RIP Classmate ~LaRonda Rickerson Jenkins
Sending our condolences to the Preston Family. In our close-knit community, we referred to each other as family. Overtown- Park Place, all the kids hung together, raced up and down the street. Let's not forget the corner lot of Park Place and MLK were we played kickball and softball. Molly was a part of the crew. Even though we are all grown up now, the memories remain. Molly, you were taken far too soon. We will always remember you as the quite kid with a smile following your big brother around. Please know we will be praying for peace and confront for the entire family during this difficult time.
Erica, Eliza, Bootsie The McCall Family
My condolences to the Preston Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 🙏🏿🙏🏿😇😇
Marian Hancock
Marlin D. Preston A person who was full of joy and happiness, always put others first. It sadden my heart to know that we have lost a loyal sweet and innocent soul and person, and yet let's no forget about that priceless smile. You will be truly missed but you will never be forgotten
Kimberly Douglas
Sending my condolences and prayers to the family Of Marlin D. Preston He was a person who was always filled with some much happiness and joy. It was never a dull moment or sadness with him . I would always tell him every time I see you I would always see that great big smile with all the teeth showing.. When my mother passed away he made sure he reached out to me to make sure that I was ok and that if I needed anything he was only a phone call away. It breaks my heart to know that your no longer here with us and that we will no longer see that great big smile but just one thing we will never forget that smile nor will we ever forget the love and compassion that came behind that smile ..
Rest Easy my Friend
Thinking of you, you were more than a colleague, brother to many of us. We talked about sport, laugh together, hangout and had fun ...thank you for everything , we had a good run but sadly came a short and God knows why . wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain. The loss of Marlin is felt by many. May the memories of his wonderful personality, astonished laugh and many contributions be celebrated by all. Marlin will be in our hearts and memories. My Deepest condolences to the family. Noel KD
To the Fzmily of Marlin Preston I send my deepest sympathy to your love ones you left behind. I'm your cousin Tarpza from Bartow along with your Aunt Verdell Rose.Rest in your father arms. The Verdell Robinson Rose family.
Sympathy and prayers to Marlin's family. I pray that the peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will keep them during their time of bereavement. May the memories of Marlin forever keep him alive in their hearts. "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7 NKJV) Deacon David Calhoun and the Calhoun Family Group, Hopewell Church
I have worked with Marlin for many years at Greif. Marlin always asked how you were doing and how your weekend was. I will miss talking about baseball with you and hearing your infectious laugh throughout the plant. We will miss you brother. My heart and prayers go out to the family and friends. Tom
My husband and I were shocked to learn of Marlin's sudden passing! Marlin was a kind and warm soul who always had a smile on his face and a kind word to share whenever we saw him! I was always so pleased to see him accompany his mom at church. Your entire family is beautiful and warm and we know your hearts are hurting at the shock of his passing! I know you all know Marlin has now received his crown and is with his Lord and Savior in Heaven! Natalie, Mark, Mia and the entire family, please know you are not alone in your time of bereavement. We continue to lift you up in prayer for we know first hand of His love, mercy and grace! He remains faithful and He will enfold you with His Spirit and His love! May He pour out His strength, peace and comfort yo fill your hearts and satisfy your souls. Please call if there is anything you need.
Your friends (and family) in Christ, Kenny and Lori Mason
Molly was one of the nicest guys you ever want to meet. Never saw anything other than a smile on his face. He was a childhood friend from the neighborhood and church. He hung out at the house with my brother and cousins. Anyone from OT is like family. Pray God give Mrs Natalie, Mark and Meyah comfort because he is at peace. Pauline VanDyke
Molly and I had a camaraderie at Seacoast Supply. We would make deliveries together, and have competitive conversations with anyone who was against our Miami Hurricanes. He had such an infectious spirit about him, and a gracious personality. He would usher help to anyone who would ask. It really hurts me to the core to learn my boy will no longer be with us. I'm gonna miss you big dog; an angel is given back to God. Rest in paradise!!!
Eugene Walthour
Molly was my childhood friend we grew up together on park pl. He was always a nice and polite person who knew how to make you laugh. I'm very saddened by his sudden and unexpected passing. I'm sending prayers and love out to his family during this very difficult time. God be with you all. Rest in peace my friend Chell Brown
I only knew Marlin for a short time from Greif. His big smile and infectious wonderful laugh will always be what I remember most about him. I will miss him. Ilene Schiffer
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.