LILBURN, Ga. -- City officials in Lilburn are mourning the death of a woman whose influence was felt in the city for decades.
Diana Preston served as a member of the city council for 22 years and was the first woman in the city's history elected as mayor in 2007. According to a statement from the city, Preston took on many duties involving parks, recreation and community activities during her decades in government.
“Diana’s dedication and love for her community was unmatched,” City Manager Bill Johnsa said. “She touched many lives and will be greatly missed.”
The statement said she was instrumental in the creation of the Camp Creek Greenway Trail and led the rededication of Lilburn City Park in 2004. She also led in Lilburn's Centennial Celebration in 2010 and helped form the Lilburn Community Improvement District the same year.
Originally from Charleston, Preston moved from the coastal South Carolina city to the Lilburn area in 1970 where she served as a teacher for Gwinnett County Public Schools for 30 years. Preston served as president of the Gwinnett Municipal Association, graduated from Leadership Gwinnett and served on the board of Directors for Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful. She later formed the Lilburn Community Partnership as well.
Preston was even named one of Gwinnett's most influential women in 2007 and had Dec. 12 declared Diana Preston Day in the city.
Services for Preston will be held on Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church at 801 Tom Smith Road SW in Lilburn.
