Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

March 27, 2023

Preston Eugene Guiton, 86, passed away on March 27, 2023 and was a resident of Cypress of Charlotte. Preston was born in Bessemer City, NC on April 27, 1936 to the late Ernest Preston Guiton and Mary Hager Guiton. In addition to his parents, Preston was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Katherine Guiton, and is survived by his wife of 59 years, Martha Senter Guiton.

Preston was educated in the public schools of Bessemer City and graduated from Bessemer City High School in 1954. He served in the U.S. Air Force from September 1954 to January 1958. From there, he graduated from Belmont Abbey College in 1961 with an A.B. Degree in Education and received his Master of Arts degree from Appalachian State Teachers’ College (now University) in Administration and Guidance. Mr. Guiton was a life member of the National Education Association, North Carolina Association of Educators, Professional Educators of North Carolina, Classroom Teachers’ Association and was active in those organizations. He served on the Board of Directors in Raleigh, NC for several years to represent Charlotte-Mecklenburg educators and was instrumental in obtaining medical insurance for that group. Preston started his teaching career in Gaston County for five years as a guidance counselor, principal, and teacher.

Preston met Martha Senter, a second grade teacher at Bessemer City Central, and they were married June 15, 1963 in Lincolnton, NC. The couple moved to Charlotte in 1966 where they continued their teaching careers with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, both completing thirty years before retiring.

After their retirement from the school system, Preston and Martha enjoyed many wonderful motorcoach trips with friends. Their travels included England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and every state in the US except Hawaii. Preston had been a member of Sharon United Methodist Church (Charlotte, NC), Philadelphia United Methodist Church (Fort Mill, SC), and Myers Park United Methodist Church (Charlotte, NC). He faithfully attended Sunday School classes and church services, served as Usher at the 8:30am service, and served as Secretary/Treasurer for some Sunday School classes. Preston served on the Administrative Board, Facilitator for Evangelism Ministry Team for the Wesley Sunday School Class, and Chairperson for Adults Plus.

The family would like to express their gratitude to his caregivers for their love and compassionate care given to Mr. Guiton in the final months of his life. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at the Hollybrook Cemetery in Lincolnton, NC. A memorial service will be held later to celebrate Preston’s life in the Francis Chapel at Myers Park United Methodist Church, followed by a reception in Jubilee Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made either to: Myers Park United Methodist Church (Note: Jubilee Plus, Operating Fund), 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207; or Lenoir-Rhyne University (Note: Guiton-Senter Endowed Scholarship Fund), c/o Kelly Knetsche – Associate Vice-President for Development, PO Box 7546, Hickory, NC 28603.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.