Lillian Priest, the executive director for the African AmericanCredit Union Coalition, died Tuesday after a prolonged illness, theorganization said Wednesday.

Priest worked for the AACUCfor more than 10 years and had been a major contributor to thegrowth and professional development of the coalition.

“Her dedication and commitment to AACUC is unparalleled. Sheincreased the membership during her tenure, and continued todevelop and further reinforce the AACUC mission which is toincrease the strength of the global credit union movement,” theAACUC said in a statement to CU Times.

Since 1981, Priest had also been a volunteer at the $100 millionShreveport Federal Credit Union in Shreveport, La., serving onvarious committees. Over the past eight years, she served on thecredit union's board.

“Lillian was an inspiration to me from my earliest years at thecredit union,” Helen Smith, president/CEO of Shreveport FCU, toldCU Times correspondent Peter Strozniak.

Godfrey had known Priest since 1983.

“She was a staunch supporter of the credit union as a means ofempowering people,” she said.

Priest also served on the Caddo Parish School Board, District 7in Shreveport since November 2004. In August, she announced thatshe would not seek re-election to the board due to healthissues.

Because she was very active politically, Smith said friendsaffectionately called her the local “king or queen maker.”

“She ran a number of elections for other people and forherself,” Smith said. “Lillian had that unique skill as she servedas campaign director for mayoral and state senate races. I learnedso much from her on how to navigate the political scene and how tolobby for the credit union movement.”

Priest received her Bachelor's degree from Northwestern StateUniversity and continued her studies toward a Master's degree atLouisiana State University-Shreveport. She is a graduate of theLeadership Shreveport and Leadership Louisiana programs.

“Lillian will truly be remembered for her commitment anddedication to our organization. She will always be cherished by theAACUC Board of Directors, members and the credit union industry,”said Lynette Smith, AACUC chairperson.

Funeral services for Priest will take place Sept. 6 at2 p.m. at the St. Mary Baptist Church in Shreveport.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to theLillian Priest Scholarship and Building Fund at any Shreveport FCUbranch. The fund was established to help students attend collegeand to help build a family life center at her church, according toSmith.