RUFFIN – Mrs. Annette Allen Preacher, 84, entered into rest Friday evening, September 25, 2026.
Born on May 21st, 1942, in Waynesboro, Georgia, she was a daughter of the late Cassiby Allen and the late Annie Ruth Cardell Allen Candady. Her journey through life was one marked by dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to education and community. Annette spent her career nurturing young minds as a kindergarten teacher at Bells Elementary School. Throughout her many years of service, she left an indelible mark on countless children and families. She believed every child deserved a strong foundation built on love, understanding, and curiosity.
A woman of steadfast faith and gentle spirit, Annette was a beacon of kindness and a source of devotion to her family and friends. A member of Bethel Methodist Church in Ruffin, she was active in many aspects of thechurch’s work. It was always known that she was a city girl from Charleston who moved to the country to marry the love of her life. She dearly loved the country life and being alongside her husband as he worked their farm. She also had a great passion for animals and working in her garden.
Surviving are: her husband of sixty-six years, Mr. Chalmers Leon Preacher, Jr.; three children, Cindy Breland and her husband Jerry, Ritchie Preacher, and Terri Lynn Preacher, all of Ruffin; two grandchildren, Jeremy Daniel Breland and his wife Erin and Carmeron Leon Breland and his wife Kristen; a great-grandchild, GeorgeWilliam Breland; a step-brother, Jack Achord and his wife Marie; and a niece, Sherri Walden and her husband Billy. She was preceded in death by two children, Janice Preacher and C.L. Preacher, III.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be directed in her memory to: The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, 111 E Main Street, 2nd Floor, Sevierville, Tennessee 37862.
Funeral services were held at 2:30 pm Thursday afternoon, October 1, 2026, from Bethel Methodist Church, Lowcountry Highway, Ruffin. The Reverend Keith Yates and The Reverend Cheri Griffith Yates officiated. Interment followed in the churchyard. Arrangements By: The Brice W. Herndon And Sons Funeral Homes And Crematory, Walterboro Chapel, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408. Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndon.com.
