Mary Virginia Castle Preece, 81, of Kermit, WV affectionately known as “Coonie,” passed away June 2, 2009 at her home surrounded by her loving and adoring family. She was born October 21, 1927 at Calf Creek, Kentucky the daughter of the late Lile Harmon Castle and Auxier Castle, Sr. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by sons Steven, William & James Preece; grandchildren Kimberly Preece and Jason Kominar. Siblings-Dixie Brown, Lawrence, Bill, Burgess and Auxier Castle, Jr.

Survivors include her husband Wilburn Thomas Preece, Sr. of Kermit, WV and her children: Mary Ann Kominar(Steve), Emma Muncy (Ronnie), Linda Gail Sartin (Riley) Brenda Ratcliff(Russell), Wilburn T. Preece, Jr.(Janet), Debbie Preece (David Dodd), Donnie Preece (Angie), Robin Preece Crum, Michelle Preece, Timmy Dale Preece, Stella Hinkle (J.R.) and Reco Preece(Robin). Also surviving are grandchildren: Odell, Jessica, Eric, Cary, Chanda, Julie, Kacie, Ashley, Candace, Caressa, Kesheia, Channing, Derek, Lindsey, Chase, Braxton, Lexie, Davey, Logan, Maxie, Bryson, Jaelin and 23 great-grandchildren, as well as brother Tom Castle of Teays Valley, Ohio and sisters Iva Deane Kirk (whom she raised) of Kermit, WV, Doris Nichols of Columbus, Ohio and half sister, Patricia Castle Milligan of California. She leaves behind numerous nieces & nephews to cherish her memory.

A former employee of The Mingo County Headstart, Mrs. Preece also owned and operated with her husband several businesses in Kermit including: The C& W Motel, The Liberty Cafe & Hotel, Kermit Taxi Service, The Huddle Hut and others. She was a member of the Kermit United Baptist Church and devoted many years to the Kermit Volunteer Fire Department of which her husband was fire chief.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 3, 2009 and Thursday, June 4, 2009 from 6 to 9 p.m., nightly with family visitation beginning at 4 p.m. at the Richmond Callaham Fun-eral Home, Warfield Cha-pel. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2009 at 1 p.m. at the Kermit United Baptist Church with The Reverends Mose Brewer & Keith Brumfield officiating. Burial will follow in the family cemetery on Collins Creek. Her grandsons will serve as active pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be members of the Kermit Volunteer Fire Department.