Barbara J. Priest

Barbara Jean Priest, 74, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Wed., Feb. 1, 2017 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Mrs. Priest, the daughter of the late Miller and Therma Simmering Berry, was born Feb. 27, 1942 in Neelyville, Mo. She was a member of Good Hope United Methodist Church and had retired from the Practical Nursing Program at the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center. Mrs. Priest enjoyed spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.

On Jan. 31, 1970, she married Gene Raymond Priest in Poplar Bluff. He preceded her in death in 1991.

Survivors include her son, Kelly Priest and wife Melissa of Poplar Bluff; five grandchildren, Jamie Priest and wife Julia of Protem, Mo., Owen Priest, Evan Priest, Ian Priest and a newborn granddaughter, Annalee Priest all of Poplar Bluff; two sisters, Peggy (Jim) Priest of Wappapello and Debbie (George) Ray of Jacksonville, Ark; and two brothers, Charles (Karen) Berry and Mike (Sue) Berry also of Poplar Bluff.

A gathering of family and friends will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel with the Rev. J.C. Bryant officiating. Inurnment will be at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials be made to a charity of one’s choice in Mrs. Priest’s memory.