James Mark Priest

James Mark Priest ("Mark"), age 74, of Alvin, TX, passed away on January 16, 2025.
A visitation and rosary will be held Thursday - January 30, 2025 from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Southpark Funeral Home, 1310 North Main Street, Pearland, TX 77581, (281) 509-9228. The funeral mass will be held Friday - January 31, 2025 at 12:00pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 110 E. South St., Alvin, TX 77511, (281) 331-3751, followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall.
Mark was born in Houston, TX on August 1, 1950 and was the 3rd of 5 children born to mother Mattie Priest and father Denver (Dink) Priest.
He graduated from South Houston High School and continued his education at Sam Houston State University where he received a B.A.T. in Elementary Education with a minor in History. He also received a Master of Science in School Administration at Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas.
Mark worked for twelve years as a school teacher (Grades 4 and 5), eighteen years as an Assistant Principal (elementary school) and retired with TRS in June, 2002. He also worked as a fourth grade teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel for two years and three years as a Co-Principal at the same school.
Mark also worked at at Our Lady of Lourdes catholic school in Hitchcock, Texas. He retired from catholic schools in 2018.
Mark loved all kinds of animals, especially donkeys, chickens, geese, cats and dogs. He also loved to read books and enjoyed visiting casinos. Throughout his life, Mark, despite facing difficult moments regarding his health, always found words of joy for the people that he loved. His legacy of love, strength and perseverance lives on through his family and friends. He will always be remembered.
Mark met his loving life partner, Oswaldo Cancinos on January 1, 2000. They were together for over twenty-five years loving and caring for each other. During their time together, they traveled to many exciting places, and took care of many animals.
Mark is preceded in death by his mother Mattie Priest, father Denver (Dink) Priest, brother and sister-in-law Marvin and Cindy Priest, and brother-in-law Jerry Gleeson.
Mark is survived by his loving partner Oswaldo Cancinos, sister Dayna Gleeson, and brother's Pat Priest/JoAnn and Greg Priest/Diana, nieces and nephews Terry Handley/George, Donna Branham/Stan, Patty Zuniga/Corky, Julie Leggio/Mike, Chris Gleeson/Sonia, Tammy Raymond/Richard, Kevin Priest/Michelle, Jennifer Hamm-Jones/Brandi, Ronnie Sharp/Vanessa, Ryan Priest/Amber, Cody Priest/Dess, Brandon Province/Marie, and Sloan Priest/LeeLee, as well as numerous great/great-great nieces and nephews and additional extended family members and a host of friends who loved him greatly.
To honor Mark, you can make a donation to any animal rescue service because he loved animals.