Press release

from Office of the Governor

Gov. Pat McCrory today ordered all North Carolina state flags on state facilities to be flown at half-staff from dawn to dusk on Monday, January 14, in honor of Senator Jean Preston, who passed away on Thursday. The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jean Preston,” Gov. McCrory said. “She and I became very good friends over the years, and I will miss her. Emerald Isle and all of North Carolina has lost a tremendous leader and committed public servant.”

Preston, 77, served seven terms in the state House and three in the state Senate before retiring last fall. A native of Greene County, she represented Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties. Preston served as co-chair of the Senate Committee on Education/Higher Education and the Senate Appropriation Subcommittee on Education/Higher Education. She was the joint Republican caucus leader.