Ms. Josephine Willis Priester

Josephine Priester was born in Blackville, South Carolina to Katherine Washington and the late Alonzia Willis, Sr. on April 4, 1944. She departed this life on October 9, 2018.

Josephine attended school in Blackville, South Carolina, then eventually moved to New York City. After many years in New York City, she decided to relocate back to South Carolina – first Branchville, then Orangeburg.

Josephine married the late Curtis Priester, Sr. on October 6, 1958 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Josephine worked as a telephone operator with Bell Atlantic in New York City for many years. Later, she worked as a home attendant. She enjoyed her job because she enjoyed taking care of people.  She had a passion for cats and a zest for life. A few of her hobbies included cooking, sewing, and watching old Western movies. She always took pride in her appearance and enjoyed fashion.  She was a devout Christian and a faithful member of Canaan Baptist Church.  She was on the usher board and sang in the church choir.

Josephine loved her family and took lots of pictures at every occasion. When you visited her home, she would take out photo albums to reminisce. She loved the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. That was the time for family and friends to come together, give thanks, and enjoy each other’s company. Josephine really loved fresh cut flowers and her son never missed an opportunity to send them to her.

Josephine is preceded in death by her husband, Curtis Priester, Sr.; daughter, Jacquelyn; son, Remus; and sister, Emma.

Josephine is survived by her two sons, Curtis (Annette) Priester, Jr. and Romulus Lutchmansingh, mother, Katherine Washington  of New York; five grandchildren, Jaquan (Preston) Portee of San Antonio, Texas, Reynard Priester of Atlanta, Georgia, Curtis Priester III of  New York, Joshua and Dorel Lutchmansingh; two nephews, Duane and Leroy Washington of New York; great-grandchildren, Justin Sumpter, Saniyah Portee, Travis Reese, and Anile Priester; one uncle, Clarence (Lucille) Smith of South Florida; two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Turner and Mary Oglesby of Columbia, South Carolina; and host of  family and friends who will miss her dearly.

The family of Josephine Priester wishes to extend our sincerest thanks to Virginia Peele, her best friend, who supported, loved, and cared for her.

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