Joseph Francis Priester

May 17, 1928 - December 2, 2017

Mr. Joseph Francis Priester was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 2, 2017, at his home in Columbia. Born May 17, 1928, in Columbia, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Isaiah Priester and Mamie Harvey. He was a devoted member of Bethlehem Baptist Church of College in Columbia, South Carolina. Joseph completed his education at the Booker T. Washington High School in Columbia, South Carolina. He valiantly served his country in the United States Navy. After the end of his service, he was an active member of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Joseph loved his family very much and was loved by many. He had many hobbies, including farming and gardening. He also enjoyed auto repair, but everyone knows he could often be found anywhere from the ocean to a nearby pond, fishing. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lillian Priester; his children: Joseph Priester, Sr., Danny Priester, Sr., Cynthia Shaheed, and William Priester, Sr.; and his granddaughters: Little Miss Sonji Priester and Timika Doughty Eddins. Joseph leaves to cherish his precious memories his children: Walter (Danni) Priester of Columbia, Barry (Collette) Priester of Saluda, South Carolina, Jacqueline Priester, Wilhemina (Greg) Doughty of Columbia, Josephine (Bill) Conley of Burnville, Minnesota; Patricia (Jerald) Samuel of Fort Collins, Colorado; twenty-seven grandchildren; forty-seven great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; a devoted companion, Ms. Mattie Smith; and a host of other family members, friends and loved ones.