Lillian Priest (April 14, 1954 – September 6, 2014) was a woman of irrepressible style and exuberant spirit. Lillian Priest was true to the credit union movement. “People helping people” was her motto. She was brought into the credit union cooperative movement early in her adult life when she joined Shreveport Federal Credit Union. Lillian Priest had been a volunteer at Shreveport Federal Credit Union serving on various committees, and the last eight years of her life, she served on their Board and held the position of Secretary.

 

Lillian worked for the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) for over 10 years and was a major contributor to the growth and professional development of the organization.  Her dedication and commitment to AACUC was unparalleled. She increased the membership during her tenure, and continued to develop and further reinforce the AACUC mission which is “to increase the strength of the global credit union movement."

 

 

Much of her life was selflessly devoted to public service. She served in various capacities in city government, including Executive Assistant to Mayor John Hussey and as Director of the Department of Urban Development. Upon leaving city government she began her own entrepreneurial endeavor and became the co-owner and Marketing & Development Officer of JaLi`Ve Enterprises, LLC.

 

In November 2004, Lillian Priest was first elected to the Caddo Parish School Board, District 7; she served as President of the Board for two terms. Her board tenure is marked by her passionate advocacy for educational excellence for all children.

 

Lillian generously shared her time and talents with a host of community and civic organizations including: Chair of the Caddo Parish Democratic Party, Crimestoppers Shreveport, Sci-Port Discovery, Downtown Rotary Club and others.

 

Lillian received her BA from Northwestern State University and continued study toward a Master of Liberal Arts degree at LSU-Shreveport.