Jacquelyn C Priester

Jacquelyn "Jackie" Priester entered heaven on January 30, 2026, with a heart overflowing with gratitude for a life filled with love, faith, and service. 

Jacquelyn Constance Murphy was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 4, 1934, to James Murphy and Bertha (Hansbury) Murphy.  Despite the hardships of the Great Depression and an extended childhood illness, Jackie remembered her early years with deep admiration for her parents’ strength and enduring affection for her siblings. 

Jackie met the love of her life, Roy Priester, at a Luther League youth gathering when she was just fifteen years old. Following her graduation from Overbrook High School, Jackie and Roy were married in 1953 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. From that day forward, they were seldom apart, holding hands through life until Roy’s passing in 1995. 

While Roy served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Roanoke during the Korean War, Jackie worked as a secretary. The couple purchased their first home in Folcroft, Pennsylvania, where they welcomed their son, Jeffrey, and their daughter, Robyn. They later moved to Somerdale, New Jersey, where the family grew with the addition of their daughter, Jennifer, and their son, Paul. 

In 1978, Jackie and Roy fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. They loved the beauty of the countryside, and they appreciated the kindness of the people in the community. 

After many fulfilling years as a stay-at-home mother and school volunteer, Jackie began a career as a nurse’s aide, first at Village Vista Nursing Home and later at Lancaster General Hospital. During her eighteen years at LGH, she brightened the days of countless patients and formed many lifelong friendships. 

For forty-eight years, Jackie was a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church, where she volunteered tirelessly in numerous roles. She also found joy in gardening and in serving others through her volunteer work at Water Street Rescue Mission. 

Above all else, Jackie cherished her family. She made her home a place of warmth, always full of welcoming hugs and the comforting smell of good food. Everyone who walked through her door felt her love. 

Jackie had a remarkable gift for making others feel seen and cared for. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary, and she was a supportive listener to anyone who needed a friend. Jackie believed deeply in the power of prayer, devoting time each day to pray for those on the long list of names she kept in her well-worn Bible. She expressed love in countless thoughtful ways, most famously through what her children affectionately called her “pumpkin bread ministry.” 

Jackie’s family finds comfort in knowing she is once again holding hands with her beloved Roy in heaven. She is also joyfully reunited with her parents and her siblings and siblings-in-law: James Murphy, Donald Murphy, Bunny Cameron, John and Wilda Ward, and John and Olivia Moore. 

She will be forever missed by her children: Jeff (Lynne) Priester of Mertztown, PA; Robyn (David) Mann of Huntsville, AL; Jennifer (Jeff) Cavendish of San Diego, CA; and Paul Priester of Lancaster, PA. Jackie was a devoted grandmother to eight grandchildren and their spouses: Ryan (Christina) Mann, Lauren (Uili) Allen, Samantha Priester, Molly Priester (Wah Mohn), Abbey (Beau) Bryant, Paige (Ethan) Morrison, Noah (Jenna) Cavendish, and Ellie Cavendish; five great-grandchildren were also embraced by her loving arms: Teo Allen, Kealani Allen, Jackson Mann, Dylan Mann, and Emmy Joy Bryant. Jackie is survived by two sisters-in-law that she considered dear friends -- Bridey Murphy and Judy Murphy -- as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

Jackie never sought the spotlight, preferring instead to be the quiet encouragement behind others’ successes. Even as she prepared to say farewell, she requested that her obituary reflect not her accomplishments, but her deep gratitude for the people who shaped and shared her life. In her memory, Jackie hoped that everyone would offer an act of kindness for someone in need. Donations may also be made in Jackie's honor to Grace Lutheran Church: 517 N Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 / gracelutheranchurch.com.