In the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 23, 2024, DONTE' MALIK PRIESTER, a native of Blackville, South Carolina cashed in his ticket and stepped on that Gospel Ship bound for Glory at his residence in Blackville, South Carolina. We are grateful to God for his life, and the seemingly short time he shared with us. Our lives have all been touched because of his selfless ways and generous spirit. God in His infinite wisdom granted him twenty-one blessed years of life, and he lived it fulfilling God's promises, to the benefit of his family and as a friend who went above all measures to help anyone in need.

Donte' was born on Friday, September 27th, 2002 at the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He was the beloved son of Mrs. Martha Johnson-Garvin and Mr. Aubrey Priester, Jr. During the earlier years of his life, Donte' attended Bethany Missionary Baptist Church in Blackville, South Carolina under the pastoral watch of the late Reverend Johnnie B. Goodwin.

Donte's education was provided by teachers and mentors of the Blackville-Hilda Public School System in Blackville, South Carolina, where he was enrolled from Pre-K until his 7th grade school year. At the end of his 7th grade school year, Donte' transferred to Jefferson Davis Academy (JDA) in Blackville, South Carolina where he graduated in 2021. In 2023, he furthered his education by attending Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College in Orangeburg, South Carolina where he earned a degree as an Industrial Electrician Technician. Donte' was formerly employed with Oscar Owens Welding & Drilling Company in Blackville, South Carolina.

Donte' was a GENEROUS, FAITHFUL, SELFLESS, and STRONG man of God. He had a passion for many things. He enjoyed fishing and hanging out with his friends. Anyone who truly knew Donte', knew that he was a diehard Basketball and Football Fan!!! His faithfulness was continuous and never waivered. Of all the things he upheld, he definitely was an amazing family man. There will never be enough words to describe how important being a son, grandson, brother, nephew and cousin was to him, and what a powerful influence he will continue to be. The legacy that he leaves was seen daily in his works and will be forever missed.

He was preceded in death, welcomed at the pearly gates and now resting with his paternal grandfather, Mr. Aubrey Priester, Sr. and his maternal great-grandparents, Mr. Nathaniel Johnson, Mrs. Martha Husby-Johnson, Mr. Leroy Banks and Mrs. Annie Clay Parker-Banks.

Donte's strong legacy of faith, family and friends will remain embedded in the hearts and minds of: his loving mother, Martha Johnson-Garvin of the home; his father, Aubrey Priester, Jr. of Barnwell, South Carolina; his step-father, Terry Garvin of Blackville, South Carolina; special mothers, Pearl Pough and Kelli Laird both of Blackville, South Carolina; (4) beautiful sisters, Aubreya Johnson and Evonna Smalls both of the home, Destiny Priester of Barnwell, South Carolina and Jasmynn Banks of Aiken, South Carolina; devoted maternal grandparents, Herman Johnson and Roye Mae Banks Johnson of the home; paternal grandmother, Annette Priester of Barnwell, South Carolina; his outstanding God-parents, Wayne Banks of Denmark, South Carolina and Kenya J. Rivera of Blackville, South Carolina; a loving and devoted companion, Kassidie Long of Columbia, South Carolina; (3) aunts, Angela Johnson of North Augusta, South Carolina, Felester Johnson of Columbia, South Carolina and Alyssia Austin of Barnwell, South Carolina; (3) uncles, Herman Banks (Tasha) and Willie Austin both of Barnwell, South Carolina and Riley Gettis (Janice) of Aiken, South Carolina; (4) grand aunts; (6) grand uncles; (1) special aunt; devoted friends: Jimmie Pough, Nicholas Tyler, Hunter Owens, Hunter Laird, Tony Hernandez, Poncho Hernandez, Kirsten Kight, Seth Ray and Stangelo Davis; and a host of loving cousins, classmates and friends who will miss him dearly.