Carolyn Sangster Priest
Carolyn Sangster Priest was born on December 2, 1923, in Florida to Grace Rodgers Sangster and Elijah Benjamin Sangster. She grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida during the depression era and World War II, and attended Florida State College for Women during that time. It was at a USO function in St. Petersburg where she met William Taylor “Bill” Priest, the love of her life, and embarked on a journey together that was surrounded by love and family. After the war ended, they got married and relocated to Texas where they lived together happily ever after. Carolyn devoted her life to being a supportive and loving wife to her husband and a caring mother to their three children. In 1963, they moved to Lumberton, Texas, and built a home where they created a treasure trove of memories for all those who knew them.
Together, they purchased a beach cabin in 1972, expanding the scope of their family time. Throughout the summer and fall weekends, they would gather together at this familial spot, which they had turned into a second home for all who visited. Carolyn always made sure that no one left hungry.
She possessed a multitude of passions. She had a knack for gardening and could make something grow even out of a glass of water. Her sewing skills were impeccable, and she could create intricate and finely crafted dresses, curtains, and other items. Additionally, she had a talent for cooking, preparing baked goods as well as daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner for her family.
The most important thing to her was her family and her relationships with others. She had a unique ability to love and radiated it towards her family and friends. She made any place feel like “home” and welcomed everyone with open arms, offering a listening ear or a comforting hug. She always searched for good in people and situations, and her smile and sense of humor brightened up everyone’s day. Her life was defined by the word “love,” which was evident in everything she did and everyone she touched.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, William T. Priest; parents, Grace Rodgers Sangster and Elijah B. Sangster; brother, Donal Sangster; as well as many other family members, in-laws, and friends who have been waiting for her to celebrate her arrival.
Carolyn is survived by three children, Linda Joy Miguez of Nacogdoches, William W. Priest of Beaumont, and Daniel J. Priest of Lumberton; grandchildren, Emily Bebeau of Beaumont, Alex Roberts of Orange, Scott Miguez of Cedar Park, Carolyn Garza of Nacogdoches, Tara Hutton of Hearne, Nicole Kordon of Hamilton, Virginia, and Sarah Torre of Charlestown, West Virginia; seventeen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; in addition to spouses and countless friends and legacies to come.
A celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held at a later date, to be determined when the flowers are in bloom. Her cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
