Evangeline (Johnson) Palmer

   “I have fought a good fight,
I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith.”  II Timothy 4:7

On June 20, 2024, around the midnight hour, our precious Lord took the hand of 96-year-old Evangeline Palmer and led her home to be with Him.  She was born on November 7, 1927, in Williamsburg, Virginia to the late Walter and Mary Alice Wallace Johnson.

At an early age, she accepted Christ and was baptized at St. John Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia.

As a native of Williamsburg and a descendant of The Reservation, her family’s history in Williamsburg pre-dates the Civil War. 

Mrs. Palmer was a beloved member of the Williamsburg community and served as a foster parent to several children. She devoted herself to raising her family and to God. She also took great pride in preparing for and celebrating holidays with her family and friends. Mrs. Palmer will be sorely missed by all those who knew her.

Mrs. Palmer is preceded in death by her husband, William Henry Palmer Sr.; sons, William Henry Palmer Jr. and Joseph Palmer; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Palmer, who passed within 24 hours before her; and son-in-law, Melvin Press.

Mrs. Palmer is survived by her daughter, Elsie Palmer Fite (Bob), Evangeline Press, Rev. Dr. Raymond L. Palmer Sr., Carolyn Palmer, and Patricia A. (Palmer) René; eighteen grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Juanita Palmer; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.  

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at St. John Baptist Church, with the Reverend Dr. Carlon L. Lassiter officiating.  Mrs. Palmer may be viewed on Saturday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the hour of her service in the church.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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