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Remembering Georgia Presnell
Long-time SIS member and Friend
By Regena Boyland
Last month, at 105 years old, we lost a dear friend and long-time member, Georgia Presnell, the oldest past president of Soroptimist International of Sacramento (SIS). Georgia served as our president in 1982 and continued her contact with SIS after she moved to Utah several years ago, where she found a local club there during her last few years. Current SIS member, Nancy Wolford Landers, sent Georgia our newsletter every month so she could stay up to date on SIS activities.
In an interview with past president Phyllis McMaster Moist, on August 25, 2022, Georgia shared memories of SIS during her presidency (SIS Newsletter – issued September 2022). Highlights from this article include Georgia’s involvement with leading the Men’s Day Luncheon, attended by 35 men, as an outreach effort to businesses and corporate heads for sponsorship. She also reminisced about the Cadillac Dinner Dance with 600 attendees during her year as president. The John Skinner Orchestra provided the dance music and Mr. Sacramento himself, Stan Atkinson, was the co-host. She also shared fond memories of the Camellia Hat luncheons (she won the hat contest 7 years in a row!), fashion shows, and Christmas boutiques. She hosted members at her home where they made Christmas ornaments to sell at the Christmas Boutique. Georgia was a very active and proud member of SIS.
A few SIS members share the following memories of Georgia:
Georgia loved these photos and was so proud that I included them in our presentation. She called me one of her special people. Mary Kobane and I have dibs on her shoes! (Kathy Platz)
I remember when Georgia was President in the 1980’s we had the Cadillac dinner dance, the ticket ($150 each) to the dinner included a chance to win a Cadillac. It was a great chance for ballroom dancing to John Skinner’s orchestra and was a very elegant affair. Georgia and her husband were dedicated ballroom dancers and I think that is what made her legs so lovely and contributed to her long life! (Nancy Wolford Landers)
Perfect makeup, beautifully dressed, amazing jewelry and the highest of heels! Always a smile and so kind. I remember on her 100th birthday the media came to our meeting to recognize Georgia. He encouraged her to sit down and she told him she was fine standing. She lifted her leg and asked him if he had seen her heels! (Mary Locke)
Always wore high heels and moved like the ballroom dancer she was. (Barbara Coulam)
I remember when Georgia purchased her FIRST pair of tennis shoes (I think she was 95) so she could race with Lance Armstrong 90% of Club tried to talk her out of the race. The Mayor of Davis set up a stationary bike for her at the finish line. (Pat Canterbury)
Georgia was responsible for the entertainment at our Edible Garden Tour where each house had a small group of musicians performing. I was collecting tickets at one of the homes and I remember when Georgia pulled up in her Cadillac, dressed to the nines in heels. She practically ran to the backyard to ensure that all was going well with the musicians and she was doing the same at each of the five homes. I was amazed by her energy as she was close to 100 years old at this time. (Karen Smith)
I met Georgia when I joined SIS eight years ago. Georgia was always very friendly and fashionably dressed, including her heels.
As you can see, Georgia made a significant contribution to our club. She leaves a legacy of living life to the fullest. What a remarkable woman! She will truly be missed.
Georgia Presnell (June 7, 1919 – December 14, 2024)
May you rest in peace
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