Joseph Priest was born on October 13, 1934 in Drew, Mississippi to parents, Sam Priest and Mozell Winfrey.

He later moved to Centreville, IL in 1959. He confessed a hope in Christ at an early age uniting with New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in 1967. He served dutifully until his health declined in 2019.

Joseph is preceded in death by his wife Odessa Priest; parents, Sam Priest and Mozell Winfrey; and his brother, Curtis Lee Priest.

Joseph started his educational journey in Mississippi. He united in wedlock to Miss Odessa Knox on June 16, 1956 in St. Louis, Missouri. Joseph worked as a porter in the 50's and 60's on the railroad. He also worked for Cahokia School Unit for over thirty-five years. He later retired as a custodian and worked in security part-time.

Joseph loved sports of all kind. In his leisure time, Joseph enjoyed playing and watching basketball, spending time with his family, and he loved a "good cold Pepsi." He opened a gym for the youth to have a safe place for basketball.

Joseph departed this life on August 13, 2021 . He leaves to cherish his memory; his two sons, Angelo Priest and Anthony Priest Sr.; his wife Arlene Priest; two grandsons, Anthony Priest Jr. and Christopher Priest; granddaughter, Sophia Jones; three great-grandchildren, Zachary Priest, Bentley Priest, and Dessa Priest; siblings JoAnn Priest, Barbara Jones, Patricia Jones, Mark Anthony Priest and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.