HOUSTON – Martha Marie Preston is the walking epitome of the phrase, “turn your mess into a message.” This self-made millionaire, shrewd businesswoman and successful night club owner had it all until her double life as a drug kingpin was exposed by federal DEA agents tracking her every move. Dubbed “The Texas Queen” by state and national media, law enforcement reported that at the height of her operation in the 1980´s, the former mastermind and her enterprise controlled 50% of all drug traffic in the state of Texas.
In September 1988, Preston was tried under the powerful Continuing Criminal Enterprise Act, facing a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Although the feds failed to convict her of that charge, she was convicted on four counts of her 23-count indictment and sentenced to 40 years in prison. Preston’s life was radically transformed when she united with her Heavenly Father and the true King, Jesus Christ, thereby gaining freedom from incarceration, as well as eternal freedom.
“Prison was the best thing that could have happened to me at that time. It made me slow down,” she said. “You see, I had made my first million by the time I was 23 years old. I was running too fast. Prison forced me to stop and think.”
Preston became a model inmate, becoming a paralegal and helping “from the inside” to fight for other inmates and criminal justice reform, and when no one thought it would be possible — but her and her mustard seed of Faith– she was released after serving nearly 10 years in Federal prison.
Author of two books, “Seven Keys to Spiritual Freedom” and “The Martha Marie Preston Story: Second Chance,” Preston now shares her powerful tales of redemption and restoration across the country, helping people from all walks of life overcome any challenge through Faith. Always an entrepreneur, she currently owns a lucrative health and wellness direct sales business -becoming a distinguished Ardyss International Platinum President, and founded Elite Ladies of Expression Inc., a non-profit that provides assistance to the homeless, at-risk youth, incarcerated and recently-released females, in addition to individuals with mental and physical health problems.
A native Texan who rose from humble beginnings in Royal Terrace, a rural subdivision in Houston, Preston is the seventh of 12 children. Known for her smile, electrifying personality and love for mankind, she remains one of the most successful and recognized citizens in Houston.
This mother, grandmother and great-grandmother is a living testimony of overcoming whatever situation one can find themselves in. With God leading the way, you can find your way out, she says. – AANI
