Judith Joan Bish Priest

Judith Joan Bish PriestDecember 24, 1935 – April 18, 2026 Judith Joan Bish Priest was born on Christmas Eve in Wichita, Kansas, to Esther Schuessler Bish and Howard Bish. Several years later she was joined by her beloved younger sister, Diane. From an early age, Judy was nurtured in classical music and in the things of God. She learned to play the violin—an instrument that would remain central to her identity throughout her life. Judy attended Wichita East High School and later Asbury University (then Asbury College) in Kentucky. It was there—standing in line to sign up for practice rooms—that she met the man she would one day marry: she, an accomplished violinist; he, an Ohio boy just beginning to learn the instrument. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Christian Education, Judy felt a strong call to overseas mission work. At just 21 years old, she traveled to Paris for intensive French language study and was then sent to Constantine, Algeria, during the Algerian war for independence from France. Anyone who knew Judy heard stories of that time—of conflict, courage, and her work with girls in a residential care setting amid profound unrest. It was in Algeria that her passion for missions deepened, along with a lifelong love for the oppressed, the marginalized, and those of other faiths. Judy held fast to her faith in Jesus while embracing a broad and compassionate worldview. After three years in North Africa, Judy returned to the United States. During her time abroad, she had been corresponding with that Ohio boy, Robert Priest. Soon after her return, they were married on June 9, 1961. Together they raised three children: Miriam, Stephen, and Rachel. Bob served churches in Ohio and Kansas, and Judy ministered faithfully alongside him. She led worship, directed church choirs, taught adult and youth Sunday school, and hosted countless Bible and sharing groups—both in her home and in the churches they served. She loved being part of music clubs in every community and found deep joy in connecting with fellow musicians, whether in rural churches or on a broader stage. She sometimes accompanied her renowned organist sister, Diane Bish, appearing on her television program, The Joy of Music. Judy’s violin was never far from her side. Once her children were grown, Judy felt called into a new season of ministry: preaching. Through the United Methodist Church’s license-to-preach seminary program, she stepped fully into a role she had long embodied. Her children often joked, “Now Mom gets paid for what she’s done all along!” In small Kansas congregations, many came to faith through this tiny, energetic woman. Others heard their own call to ministry because of Pastor Judy’s witness. Judy also had a lifelong passion for gardening and a true green thumb. She loved seeing things grow and took great delight in tending flowers and vegetables. That same joy carried into her relationships, where she encouraged growth in others through warmth, hospitality, and steady love. Judy and Bob shared a deep love of travel, exploring both the United States and the wider world together. Whether driving back roads across the Midwest—often scanning for farm ponds in which to fish—visiting national parks, or journeying abroad to places that reflected Judy’s lifelong passion for global cultures and all things francophone, they delighted in discovering new landscapes, peoples, and stories side by side. Travel was one of the great joys of their nearly 65 years together and a way they continued to learn, grow, and connect with God’s world. Judy loved to fish—a cherished family tradition—and could clean, fillet, and fry whatever was caught. She opened her home generously, delighting in feeding others, and especially loved preparing Algerian couscous. She was happiest hosting those from outside her Midwestern culture. For decades, every Thanksgiving table included international students from the University of Kansas who were far from home. She held a particular love for people from the Middle East. Her gift of hospitality was legendary and lives on through her children and grandchildren. Judy was known by many names: Mama, Pastor, Friend, Mamie, and “Tiny Judy.” She leaves behind her beloved husband of nearly 65 years, Bob; her children Miriam “Mimi” Newman (Phillip), Stephen Priest (Cinthia), and Rachel Priest; her grandchildren Havilah Moss (Taylor), Sophia Newman, Joel Priest (Diana), and Cavanaugh Newman (Allison); her dear sister Diane Bish; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Macklin and Murphy. Judy’s life was one of faith lived boldly, love extended generously, and music—and life—offered freely, for the glory of God and for the good of the world. Visitation with Bob and family will be held on Sunday, May 17, from 12:00–2:00 PM at Eastmoor United Methodist Church. A memorial service to honor Judy’s life will take place on Saturday, June 20, at 11:00 AM at Eastmoor United Methodist Church. Suggested Memorials, In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:• Eastmoor United Methodist Church https://giving.servantkeeper.com/EastmoorUMC• GraceMed Health Clinic https://www.gracemed.org/donate• The Joy of Music https://www.thejoyofmusic.org/make-a-donation