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Mrs. Richardson Preyer Dies at 80

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GREENSBORO — Emily Preyer, wife of former U.S. Rep. L. Richardson Preyer, died suddenly Sunday morning. She was 80.

The threads of charity and politics wove themselves through her life. Last year, she received the North Carolina Award in Public Service, the state's highest honor, in recognition of her leadership and philanthropy in Greensboro.

Preyer was active in her husband's unsuccessful bid for the North Carolina governorship in 1964 and in his successful races for Congress. He served six terms, beginning in 1968. She also served on the Executive Committee of the state Democratic Party.

She was active in a multitude of charities throughout her life, and a strong proponent of culture and education in her adopted home of Greensboro.

Emily Preyer was also a homemaker, and mother of two sons and three daughters. Eleven grandchildren also survive.

The Reidsville native was devoted to tennis. In 1962, she won the women's singles and doubles titles in tennis in Greensboro.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro. She will be buried at Green Hill Cemetery in a private service prior to the memorial.

Her husband's grandfather founded Richardson-Vick, Inc., the company that created products such as Vicks VapoRub and Oil of Olay.

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