Lawona Preece, age 71, entered eternal rest with Jesus on June 11, 2025, at 3:30 a.m. at Bowers Hospice House after a long illness. Born on January 7, 1954, Lawona spent most of her life in Oceana, WV (Lynco Holler), and was most recently residing in Indian Creek, WV, with her son. Lawona was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Larry Preece her parents, Firg and Louise Proffitt her stepmother, Rose Proffitt and her sisters, Josephine Preece and Diane Morgan. She is survived by her children: Ricky Dean and Lizette Preece of Reidsville, NC, Joe and Kim Preece of Indian Creek, WV, two sisters Patty Morgan (Larry), Pauline Kennedy (Alvin), and one brother, Ricky Proffitt (Brenda). She was a proud grandmother to five grandchildren: Andrea (Jesse) Wolowinski of Milton, WV (on the ridge), Natalie Preece (Maxwell Moon) of Charlotte, NC, Evan (Kristy) Preece of Indian Creek, Joseph (Ulanie) Preece of Reidsville, NC, and Kyle (Jaycee) Preece of Indian Creek. Lawona was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, Weston Hezekiah, Oaklee Reign, Tatum Seth, and Jersey Kaye, and was joyfully anticipating the arrival of another great-grandbaby in February 2026. On the day of her passing, she told Evan and Kristy, the expectant parents, “I wanted to be here to see him, but I just can’t. Will you teach him about me?” They happily agreed to do with tears running down their faces. She shared a special bond with her dear friend Elizabeth Atwell, who lovingly cared for her—praying with her, cooking for her, and standing faithfully by her side until the very end. They loved each other deeply. An avid camper, Lawona cherished time spent at RD Bailey Campground with her family, friends, and siblings. A lifelong resident of Wyoming County, she was a naturally gifted musician who played guitar, bass, and piano. She taught her late husband the basics of Southern Gospel and, later, worship music, and she was quick to point out when one of us was off-key or missed a chord. She passed on her love of music to her sons, teaching them the fundamentals. Today, both serve as praise and worship leaders and Bible teachers in their churches. Lawona was a true woman of God, carrying a special anointing in her singing. Her signature song, “He Never Left Me,” became a ministry in itself—one she lovingly passed on to a cherished niece to continue blessing others through song. She was honest, transparent, and often direct—if you wanted the truth, you asked Lawona—but always deeply generous and devoted to the well-being of others. If she saw a need, she met it. Over the years, she provided financial support to countless individuals and families and was a faithful supporter of her local church. She had a heart for the overlooked, the downcast, and those considered “black sheep”—they were the ones she welcomed, embraced, and befriended. Lawona was a member of Christian Fellowship Worship Center (CFWC) in Pineville, WV, until illness made it difficult to attend. She then began worshiping at Family Praise and Worship (FPW) in Oceana, WV. Lawona’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 14th, 2025, in the Chapel of Stafford Funeral Home, Lynco, WV. The morning will begin with a public visitation from 12:00 to 1:00. At 1:00 PM, the funeral service will commence. Lawona will be laid to rest at Palm Memorial Gardens, Matheny, WV. The service will be led in scripture and song by Pastor Bill Goode of CFWC, Pastor Bill Rector of Faith and Family Ministries in Wentworth, NC, and Pastor Landon Kennedy of FPW. Her sons, Joe and Rick Preece, will honor their mother’s memory by delivering heartfelt eulogies. Grandkids will serve as pallbearers. Lawona’s legacy of service, love, faith, and music will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV.