Obituary of Eunice Palmer

Eunice was born to Ivory and Johnnie L. Pickens on January 9, 1935 in Florence, SC. Mother Palmer as she was affectionately known by many entered into eternal rest on Friday, June 27, 2014 after a lengthy illness. She fought a good fight; she has finished her course hence forth is a crown of righteousness laid up for her. Eunice was educated in the Pamplico City School system. After graduating, she was granted permission to move to Philadelphia, PA with her big brother Rev. Claude Pickens. During this time, she held various jobs. While employed, she met John W. Palmer, and they entered into holy matrimony. From this union three children were born: Shermell, James Wesley and Johnnie Levi. Eunice developed a love for cooking, and she held several jobs that put her skills to the test. For many years, Eunice was employed as a cook at the Methodist Home for Children in Philadelphia. Upon her arrival in New Jersey, she became gainfully employed as a cook at several rest homes. Eunice would later undergo a career change at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital where she began as a member of the housekeeping staff. As the years continued, she transitioned into patient care. She retired from Ancora as a Human Service Technician after 30 years of service. Eunice's love for God began very early in life for she played the piano for the youth choir of Mt. Rona Baptist Church. Oh how she loved to sing the songs of Zion, but her love for music was overshadowed by her love of ushering. She served as a usher at Metropolitan Baptist Church, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church and Christ Care Unit Missionary Baptist Church. Her attentiveness to the responsibilities of an usher earned her the title, "Sarge". Mother Palmer would set you straight. Upon relocating her family to NJ, she united with Mt. Zion Baptist Church, W. Atco, NJ under the pastorate of Rev. Lee C. DeRamus. Eunice served Mt. Zion for many years. Upon relocating to the Sicklerville community, Mother Palmer became a member of CCU. She served faithfully on several ministries: Sr. Ushers, Missionaries and the praise team for Noonday Bible study. Eunice did it her way. In the latter months and years, she would often be heard saying, she was ready to go and be with the good Lord. Well Mother palmer, the battle has been fought, and victory has been won. Enter into the master's joy and take your rest. She is survived by: her children, Shermell Teacher, James Wesley (Sally) and Rev. Johnnie L. (Barbara); two siblings, J.D. Pickens (Marianne) and Annie Lee Hines (Albert); six grandchildren, Chanel, Tiffany, Harold, Shante', Johnnese and Johnnie Jr.; three great grandchildren, Elijah, Jyseer and Ah'zeer; nieces, nephews a very special and devoted friend, Mae Tribett and a host of other relatives and friends.