Born September 18, 1920 in Delight, Arkansas to Charles and Tilda Copeland. She left this world on September 24, 2019 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She married Owen Priest on February 19, 1939, who preceded her in death on November 21, 2002. Verniece and Owen had three children, Charlene Deason, who preceded her in death on 2017, Michael Priest, who also preceded her in death on 2016 and her daughter Marcia Mata and son-in-law Florencio Mata, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She leaves five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Verniece loved people and was a beautiful Christian servant, worshiping at the Church of Christ in Wasco, where she resided for 59 years, until moving close to her daughter and son-in-law. Her hands were seldom still as she enjoyed painting, crocheting and gardening. She worked at Biofirm, in Wasco until her retirement. She was a remarkable women loved by so many family members and friends. The family would like to thank Pikes Peak Hospice and Life Care Center of Colorado Springs for the excellent care they provided for her in the final weeks on this earth. A private family service will be held on October ninth.