Estella "Stella" Catherine Priest, 77, of Mocksville, NC, and formerly of Elgin, SC, died Tuesday, January 13, 2015. Born November 27, 1937, in Brooklyn, NY, she was a daughter of the late Michael Anthony and Veronica Gordon D'Amato. Stella graduated from Mooresville Sr. High School in NC, and was a long-time resident of Elgin, SC. She was very active in her church, Rehoboth United Methodist Church, and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include sons, Lynton Michael Priest (Janet), Brad Franklin Priest; her daughter, The Rev. Kathy Priest Hudson; grandchildren, Matthew and Palmer Hudson, Kristen and McKenzie Priest; sisters, Anita D'Amato, Marie Crotts; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Stella was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Franklin Priest.

The funeral service for Mrs. Priest will be held 2 o'clock, Friday, January 16th, at Rehoboth United Methodist Church, with The Rev. Doug Benton and The Rev. Kathy Priest Hudson officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens of Columbia. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 o'clock, Thursday evening, at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Dr, Columbia; and at other times at the home of Janet and Mike Priest, 142 Clearview Dr, Columbia. Memorials may be made to the church at 6911 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223.