Overseer Dr. Marie Priestly is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She was reared and educated in Boston, Massachusetts. Marie attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, there she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. After eighteen years of teaching for the Boston Public School System Marie was inspired by the Lord to relocate to San Antonio, Texas.
Due to her passion for the Lord and fellowship with God’s people Marie placed her membership at Refuge Church of our Lord. While attending Refuge, Marie met Bishop Royce B. Priestly. After years of working alongside Bishop Priestly in the ministry of Outreach, they knew God had a greater purpose for them in the kingdom. Marie and Royce married in June of 2000.
As the wife of Founder and Senior Pastor Bishop Royce B. Priestly, Marie has assumed an active role at The Rose of Sharon Ministries, San Antonio, Texas, where she is Co-founder and Co-pastor. “The Rose” Church Family refers to her as their "First Lady." Dr. Priestly has established a Women’s Ministry, ”Sister To Sister” which serves as a platform for developing women of Godly virtue and promoting sisterhood within the body of Christ. Additionally, Sister To Sister educates, informs and empowers women to build upon their Godly foundation. She believes it is imperative women recognize the support that an empowered group of women can give one another.
“Wives Praying for Their Husbands Ministry" was also birthed through Lady Priestly. As the Lord answered the wives’ prayers, their husbands began to give their lives to the Lord. As the ministry grew the name was changed to Marriage Enrichment. This ministry encourages men and women to pray for their spouses to walk according to their calling in Christ Jesus.
Dr. Priestly has coordinated numerous Women’s Retreats, All Night Prayers, Annual Women's Day and Appreciation Services, etc. Due to her boldness in delivering God’s word she is often called upon as a guest speaker.
After thirty six years of teaching public school, Dr. Priestly retired and pursued a second career. She is the founder and president of Royal Priesthood Christian Counseling and Academy. Through Royal Priesthood Christian Counseling many lives have not only been transformed but saved. God has anointed her to speak directly into the lives of many. Hearts have been healed, marriages restored and many men, women and children freed set free from prisons of abuse, shame, pain, doubt, heartache and fear.
Dr. Priestly is a PHD graduate from Guadalupe Theological Baptist Theological Seminary Antonio, Texas. She is Licensed in the areas of: Clinical Pastoral and Christian Counseling. Certified the areas Temperament Counselor, Crisis and Abuse Therapist, Marriage and Family Therapist, and Grief counseling and various others.
Other accomplishments include but not limited to: National Mother and Director of Women’s Ministry, Advisory Board Member for the Pentecostal Fellowship Churches (PFC's), head quartered in Sylacauga, Alabama where Chief Apostle, Marshal Leonard Thomas is founder. Professional Clinical Member, Certified Academic Instructor and awarded the Distinction of Diplomat from The National Christian Counselors Association. She holds the position as a Faith Base Sector for War on Drugs in the city of San Antonio, TX.
Dr. Priestly’s commitment to others is evident through her lifestyle of service .She believes “Everything we do should be for the Glory of God.”
