“Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.”  Proverbs 3:17

Beloved wife and mother, Katherine Ann (Roberts) Priest of Jacksonville, Arkansas passed away on November 30, 2025, after her battle with pancreatic cancer, at the age of 83.  Katherine was born on June 25, 1942, in the small town of Sparkman, Arkansas, and was raised in nearby Malvern, Arkansas.  She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother.  Deeply devoted to her family, she was happiest when she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Katherine was the heart of her home and family.  She was married to the love of her life, Richard Priest, for over 64 years, and together they raised four children, Richard Priest Jr. (Lisa) of Jacksonville, Janice Maxey (Breck) of Sherwood, Jon Priest (Dianna) of Jacksonville, and Melissa Cox (Brad) of Jacksonville.  As well, she was like a mother to Lorrie Harp Barr of Little Rock.  These all she leaves behind, along with her precious grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she loved with all her heart – Nicholas Priest (Holly) and their children, Giovanni, Ellie, and Jameson; Justin Priest; LeeAnne Maxey; Aaron Maxey (Hope) and their children, Elise and Emersyn; Luke Maxey; Zachary Priest; Allison Heffington (Austin) and their children Parker and Piper; Jordan Eubanks (Colton) and their child Ember.  She also leaves behind her sister, Betty Kimzey and many nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Joshua Priest, and brothers and sister, Herbert Roberts, John Roberts, and Doris Coston.

Katherine was a faithful Christian, and dedicated member of Second Baptist Church since 1975, serving everywhere she was needed.  Her foremost desires and prayers for each of her children were that they all know the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, and that they have a happy marriage to one spouse (and praise the Lord that He has provided each with these great blessings).

Throughout her life, Katherine valued learning, and loved reading, painting, quilting and sewing.   Her beautiful pieces of art, a quilt, and embroidered works prominently grace the homes of each of her children and grandchildren.  And later in life, after raising her children and seeing them all off to college, she returned to college herself and graduated with honors from UALR in 1991.  She went on to work at the Pulaski County Extension Service and at University of Arkansas Medical Sciences for several years before retiring and enjoying time with her family, which was her greatest joy.

After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and the first meeting with the oncology team at UAMS to determine the course of action, Katherine always had the sweetest spirit about her.  She said that she wanted to do whatever she could to live here, but she was ready.   She was not bitter.  She was not cowering in fear of death.  She was ready.  And she is with her Lord Jesus today.

Services will be at Second Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Arkansas, on Friday, December 5.  Visitation will be 10:00am-11:00am, with funeral services immediately following, and interment at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Cemetery in Sherwood, Arkansas.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com