Rebecca Preast

Rebecca “Becky” Sanford Preast, a resident of Gastonia, NC, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the age of 74, surrounded by her daughters and faithful furry companions (Sweetie and Murphy James).

Becky was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Preast; her parents, George and Joan Sanford; and her brother, Caroll Sanford.

Born in Gastonia, NC, to George Carroll Sanford Sr. and Joan Dale Sanford, Becky grew up in Cramerton, NC, with her parents and two brothers. Many who knew her didn't realize that Becky played on the Cramerton High School varsity basketball team that won the NC State High School Championship. She worked in the textile industry early in life and then for Jordan Graphics until her retirement. In reality, she never retired; she focused on the family business, Sanford Upholstery, where she developed her love of sewing. Her other hobbies included cooking, Southern Gospel music (specifically the Gaithers), crime shows, court television, and gardening. Becky knew every plant, flower, and trick for keeping them alive and flourishing.

When you visited her home, you would be greeted by a furry friend, offered a cup of coffee, see a craft in progress, or have something to eat if you were hungry. No one was a stranger in her house, especially if they were a four-legged friend. She loved her pets! Her favorite time of year was Christmas, when she decorated her home and transformed it into something magical. Santa Claus was common on every shelf, table, and mantel, with presents stacked under the tree for her family.

Left to cherish her memory: children Beverly Stalvey (Russell) of Mount Holly and Tammie Elswick (Johnny) of Gastonia. Grandchildren: Kevin West (Jaclyn), Emily West, Natalie Blake (Travis), Chris Elswik (Carter), Emily Stalvey (Jason), Preston Stalvey (Margaret), and Hannah Harvol (Paul). The greatest joy, her great-grandchildren: Lilly, Jack, Addie-Mae, Asher, Ella, Emma, Eli, Carson, Charlotte, Chole, Mavrick, Beau, Riley, Easton, and Bobby Sanford, Becky’s brother, of Cramerton, NC.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly, NC. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, with the service beginning at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local humane society or VIA Health Partners. The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to her nurses, Tammy Carpenter and Jessica Carson, who took such great care and demonstrated love and compassion for our family.

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