Lucylee T. Priest, age 88, passed away Thursday October 20, 2022, at Watauga Medical Center. She was born March 3, 1934, in Atlanta Georgia. A daughter of the late Thomas & Virginia Templeman.

She is survived by her Husband Lonnie A Priest, age 91 and her children, Alfred (Melanie), Daniel, Duncan (Victoria), Virginia (Larry), Rachael (Mark) & Adam (Annette), nineteen grandchildren, Andrew, Connie, Justin, Stacy, Jason, Christopher, James, Luke, Eric, Evan, Elissa, Joshua, Lauren, Caleb, Shannah, Josiah, Alanah, Sophia & Dominick, and six great-grandchildren Eliana, Josephine, Alister, Gabriella, Myah, Titus.

In addition to her father and mother she was preceded in death by her brother, Kirk Templeman.

Lucylee grew up in Miami Springs, Florida where she pursued interests in art, music and ballet. Lucylee relocated to Boone, NC to study education at Appalachian State Teachers College. There she met her husband, Lonnie A. Priest at college student activities hosted at their church.

Lucylee focused on mothering their six children and serving as a pastor's wife. She remained active in children's ministry, women's ministry and choir at the churches they attended even after returning to full time teaching. In addition to teaching in the NC school system, Lucylee also drove a school bus and later taught at a small private school in South Florida that specialized in English as a second language. Eventually, she stepped into the role of principal of the small Christian school.

Lucylee maintained her love for music and art. Her classrooms were always creatively decorated with a blending of her artwork and the creations of her students. She was one the first teachers in the area to create interactive bulletin boards, where the students could practice their skills. She sang in church choirs most of her life and often had music playing in her home. She was also known to suddenly break into song whenever the mood struck her.

Lucylee's favorite songs were hymns of praise. Her source of joy could always be found in her Savior, Jesus. God's faithfulness, His steadfast love and his immeasurable grace always provided a firm foundation when trials arose. When tears would fall, her prayers would go up. Now that she is with her Savior, she no longer struggles to walk by faith. Now she joyfully walks (and dances) by sight.

A memorial service will be announced.

Online condolences may be sent to the Priest family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.