Leslie Lee Priester

    Leslie Lee Priester of Meridian, MS passed away in the morning hours of Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center. 

     She was born on May 21, 1936, in Tupelo, MS to and preceded in death by her parents, Lee Bryan Priester, Jr. and Leslie Holland Priester.

     Leslie was a 1954 graduate of Meridian High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1958 at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. 

     In 1968, following a period of time working at Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Leslie began her career in community service for Meridian and Lauderdale County, beginning with the Girl Scouts.  She devoted her time and talents to that organization while serving in many positions, including Program Director.  Leslie’s passion was working with the children and parents of Girl Scouts, and she influenced the lives, hearts, and minds of hundreds of girls in a positive and meaningful way. 

     In the late 1970s, Leslie joined the staff of WTOK-TV in Meridian and quickly became a household favorite as the host of an afternoon feature interview program called Potpourri.  Her broadcast career at the station continued into the 80s, both on-air and off.  She was one of the first female television personalities in the role of news reporter and anchor at WTOK.  She also became the first female advertising salesperson for the station and served as the Community Affairs Director for many years. 

     After her time at WTOK, Leslie spent many dedicated years in service to the Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter and to the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. 

     Leslie was a long-time member of the Episcopal Church of the Mediator of Meridian.  There will be a Memorial Service to honor Leslie's life on Saturday, May 4, 2024, beginning at 11:00 AM at the Episcopal Church of the Mediator Memorial Garden.

     In keeping with Leslie’s giving spirit, in lieu of flowers, please consider giving donations in her honor to the Girl Scouts of America, the Care Lodge, the Diabetes Foundations or to your favorite charity.

     The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-Downtown is grateful for the opportunity to honor Leslie’s life and memory.