Leona "Sugar" Priest

Priest, Leona "Sugar" (Hallenbeck) BLACKWOOD, N.J. Leona Priest, affectionately known as "Sugar" of Blackwood, died Sunday evening, October 14, 2007 of a short illness at Virtua West Jersey Hospital, Voorhees, South Jersey. Leona was born February 17, 1941 in Albany, N.Y., daughter of the late Leroy and Constance E. Hallenbeck and the wife of her loving husband Alfred W. Priest for the past 25 years. She worked 14 years as a meat manager for Food Fair Super Markets and a bartender for many years, retiring from work at 50. She was a wonderful homemaker and cook. She loved to read and do crossword puzzles. A wonderful woman loved by all...she is survived by two children, daughter, Sharon (Earl) Kramm of Castleton, N.Y. and son, Steven M. Earl of Collingswood, N.J.; two stepchildren, Tammy and Scott Priest; six brothers and three sisters; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She will also be sorely missed by her ex-husband of 21 years, John W. Earl and many nieces and nephews. She will be remembered for her outspokenness and laughter and her wonderful Thanksgiving dinners! It was her wish to not have a funeral or viewing. A small private family memorial service was provided by Gardner Funeral Parlor in Runemede, N.J. on October 18.