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Pieternella Preston (van Leijden), better known as "Nelly" or "Nelleke" was born February 6, 1958, in the small town of Oeffelt, in the province of Noord Brabant, the Netherlands. She grew up there with her father, Jacobus van Leijden (Koos), Mother Johanna Pieternella van Verstegen (Johanna), brothers Jacobus (Koosje) and Wilhelm (Wimmie), and sisters Maria Anna (Marjan) and Johanna (Jopie). She met her husband, Richard Preston while he was serving in the military in Germany. They were married and stayed together for 41 years until his passing in 2021.

Richard and Nelly settled in Hinesville, GA, where he retired from the military. Here is where they spent their lives, built their home, raised their children, Nancy, and Shelby, and continued living until they passed. While her family in the Netherlands missed her, they were proud of all she had accomplished and overcame to enjoy the new life she had found.

Nelly was always known for her fierce but loving personality. She never allowed anyone to stand in her way or boss her around. If she set her mind to something, she would do it. She protected her children to no end, always wanting the best for them. Becoming a grandmother made Nelly happier than she had ever been. She cherished every moment with all her grandchildren.

She is survived by her two children, Nancy and Shelby, her brother Wimmie, and sisters Marjan and Jopie, as well as her grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her father, mother, brother Koosje, as well as her husband, Richard.