Ella May Priester

Ella May Thompson Priester, 79, lifelong residents of James City County, whose family has lived in the area for over 6 generations, went home to be with The Lord, Monday, November 29, 2021 peacefully with her family by her side. Ella May was preceded in death by her parents George Dewey Thompson Sr. And Mary Cobb Thompson and her brother George Dewey Thompson Jr. and Goodwin Lawrence Cobb. Ella May’s greatest joy was spending time with her family, grandchildren, and serving her Lord and Savior with a humble heart. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to many. Ella May was known for her love of children, her servant’s heart, and her devotion to James River Baptist Church in many roles; Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School Director, Nursery Coordinator, and Wedding Facilitator. Some of her greatest qualities were
Loyalty, strength, generosity, kindness, tender-hearted, good samaritan, and full of personality. Ella May was very active and enjoyed sewing, crossword puzzles, crotchet, word puzzles, gardening, reading. Throughout her life, she also enjoyed roller skating, bowling, mini golf, and many seasons of pitching for the Branscome Bulldozers softball team, which was coached by her husband and brother John. Our Mom was happy spending time with our Dad and always loved a good fire and being outdoors. Mom opened her heart and her home to many children with whom she shared her love of the Lord. Our Mom and Dad have been married for 58 years, their devotion to each other is what we all admire and are so proud of.

She’ll be cherished and missed by her loving husband of 58 years, Patrick James Priester Sr; daughters, Denise Priester Fleischmann (Paul) and Kerry Ann Smith (Robby); son, Patrick James Priester Jr (Jill); grandchildren, Alexandria Fleischmann Nam (Woo), Ryan deVan Fleischmann, Brett Robinson Dewey Smith (Angelica) , Brooke Ann Smith, Kylei Maeanna Priester, Bryce Patrick Kilian Priester, Trey James Paul Priester, and Addysen Jean Ann Priester; great-grandson, Dewey Robinson Smith; sisters, Lucille Letchworth, Elizabeth Aadahl, Fannie Trull, Margaret Hill, Catherine Driscoll, and Esther Boatwright; brothers, John Thompson and Edward Thompson;
and many nieces’ nephews and dear friends.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 2nd at 1 o’clock at James River Baptist Church with service immediately following at 2 o’clock. Burial will take place in the church cemetery following the service. Flowers are welcome and/or donations may be made to James River Baptist church. The Family would like to Thank the Riverside Doctors’ Hospital, Doctor John Miller, nurse, and faithful friend Nicole Phillips.

Bucktrout Funeral Home is assisting the family.