Mary Elizabeth Palmer

 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
 I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27(NIV)

On June 19, 2024, around the midnight hour, our precious Lord called home His daughter, Mary Elizabeth Palmer.  She was born on February 10, 1945, in Williamsburg, Virginia, to Evangeline (Johnson) Palmer, who passed a day later and the late William Henry Palmer Sr.

At an early age, she accepted Christ and was baptized at St. John Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia.  Mary dedicated herself to God by living an honorable life.

She graduated from James Weldon Johnson High School with the class of 1962.  She began her work career as a banker in Arlington, Virginia but her adventurous spirit led her to a career in the U.S. Army Reserve until 1985.  After her time in the Army Reserves, Mary’s love for helping others led her to pursue a career at Eastern State Hospital, where she was able to help those who were in need.  She retired from Eastern State Hospital after several yeas of dedicated service.

Mary was a mother to her children as well as many other children.  Her house was a place where everyone could come for snacks or drinks after playing.  The Williamsburg community loved her; and The Reservation community, of which she is a descendant.  Her hobbies included cooking and she loved watching the cooking channels. She also enjoyed listening to Motown music, being outdoors, and relaxing around her family and friends. A truly inquisitive mind, Mary loved reading, book collecting, and puzzling.

Mary was also preceded in death by her brothers, William Henry Palmer, Jr. and Joseph Palmer; and brother-in-law Melvin Press.

Those left to cherish loving memories of her are her daughter Mary Evangeline Palmer; son William Henry Palmer III; grandchildren, Aaliyah, Alicia, Angel, Alexis, Alexander, Alexandria, and Tahru; siblings, Elsie Palmer Fite (Bob), Evangeline Press, Rev. Dr. Raymond L. Palmer Sr., Carolyn Palmer, and Patricia A. (Palmer) René; sister-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.  Interment to follow in the church cemetery.  Ms. 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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