Barbara Claire Preo, affectionately known as BABS to her grandchildren, beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Friend returned home to the Lord on August 2, 2025.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George J. Preo. Barbara was also preceded in death by her parents, Eleanor and Edward Ernster, Her son in law Jeff Whitman, sister Suzanne, brothers Richard, Donald, and George.

Barbara and George both instilled a strong faith and dedication to the Lord that is carried out by her family.

A legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories with her family, are left behind with her 5 Children, Ellen Whitman, William (Bill) Preo (Kathy), Maryanne Jarrell (Donald), Jeanne Preo (Bill Kramer), Susan Northop (James);

Beloved grandchildren, Lauren Bierstedt (Barry), Katie Preo (Jonathan), Amanda Shingleton, Jessica Strange, Matthew Jarrell (Corey), Amy Jarrell-Givens (Ron), Georgia Northrop, James, Northrop and Audrey Kramer;

And especially her precious great-grands: Claire, Anna, Austin, Ariana, Allistar, Sullivan, Olivia, Elliott, Abigail, Major, and Evander.

Barb was born in Milwaukee WI with her 9 brothers and sisters and remained a devoted sister to Marilynn LaLonde, Michael (Lorraine) Ernster, Elizabeth Filetti, Catherine (Ron) Deschane and Christine (Larry) Goldstein. She loved reminiscing about growing up and their days at Lake Michigan.

She married the love of her life, George in February, 1959 and immediately started their family living in Milwaukee, WI, Long Island, NY, and Pizzeghettoni, Italy before relocating their family to North Carolina in 1975. Barbara worked and retired from General Electric in 1993.

In retirement she and George both dedicated their lives to their family along with their interest in RV'ing and NASCAR and trips with their grands.

Being a grandparent is where Babs truly shined, her devotion to her family is how she will always be remembered.

In later years Barbara enjoyed her pool time with the babies and shopping and coffee dates and with her girls. She was an active member with the Ladies of St. Joseph's and cherished her church family.

Barbara's warmth, kindness and adventurous spirit and love of teasing will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her family and friends will forever hold her in their hearts remembering the love, joy, and cookies she brought to their lives.

The family will receive friends Friday August 15th 6-7:00 PM at Harrell's Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 AM Saturday August 16, 2025 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Father Steven DiMassimo officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Shared memories and condolences can be sent to the family at www.harrellsfh.com

A service of Harrell's Funeral Home and Cremation Service.