Anne Elizabeth Little Priest passed away at home on February 5th at the age of 72.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Nancy D. Little, Daniel J. Little, and stepmother Evelyn S. Little.
She is survived by her husband for nearly 50 years, John B. Priest. Anne will be lovingly remembered by their three children, Alexander N. Priest, Amanda Priest Hall, and Daniel N. Priest as well as her three grandchildren, Darcy Hall, Gavin Hall, and Charles Hall. She is also survived by her younger sister, Judy Konicki and stepsister Sydney Smith.
Anne was born on November 18, 1950 in Ann Arbor Michigan, and grew up in the Lorain Ohio area. Her family moved to Olympia Fields Illinois in 1965. After graduation from Rich Central High School in 1969, she attended the University of Illinois in Champaign briefly, leaving to work before finishing her education. Returning to the same campus, she picked up work as a screener of bubble-chamber pictures for a high energy physics experiment. John at that time was beginning his fourth year, in the process of earning a BS in physics, and a separate BS in chemistry. His original plan was to seek a higher degree in nuclear engineering. But he also applied to one medical school. He proposed to her on Valentine’s Day in 1973. They were married in the Episcopal church on campus on April 14, 1973. He was accepted to the Abraham Lincoln Medical School in Chicago, and had subsequent additional training in anatomic and clinical pathology at the Indiana University Medical Center. Throughout, this eight year period, Anne worked or attended classes at the University of Illinois Circle Campus or Indiana University-Purdue University extension in Indianapolis (“IUPUI”). Their first two children were born in Indianapolis. Following his training, John sought work outside the University setting, accepting a position with a pathology group in Gadsden, AL, beginning July 1, 1981. Their youngest child was born in early 1982 in Gadsden. The family relocated from Gadsden to Jacksonville in 1983. Anne completed work at Jacksonville State University for an accounting certificate. Anne was an active member in Girl Scouts; our house was where the Girl Scout cookies every spring were divided up for all the local scouts. Anne was a high school marching band mother, with all three children in the marching band one year. She also was the treasurer for the band boosters through many years.
A memorial service at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday February 12, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Anniston Soup Bowl, Habitat for Humanity, or the Humane Society.
We were greatly aided and guided through her last days by the staff with SouthernCare New Beacon Hospice.
