Patricia Weaver Palmer

Patricia Weaver Palmer, a resident of Wesley Ridge in Reynoldsburg, and a more than 50 year resident of Bexley, died Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Wesley Ridge at the age of 84. Pat was a 1949 graduate of the Etna, Ohio local school and a 1954 graduate of Capital University with a major in Sacred Music. A professional church music director and program developer, she provided leadership in several central Ohio churches. In the late 1960s she initiated and directed "The Joyful Messengers", a small vocal group of other young women who presented sacred and secular songs on local television and at a variety of community locations. She completed her long career at Bexley United Methodist Church in 1998 after 24 years leading the Church's music program. In addition to growing the Chancel Choir, Pat established children's and youth vocal groups, and a hand bell choir. In 1974 she established the Bexley United Methodist Church "Youth Musical" which presented the Christian faith in song and dance and through which, over the years, hundreds of Bexley young people learned the joy of music, and knowing Jesus Christ. More than 40 years later this annual tradition continues. In recognition of the Youth Musical and its significance in the lives of so many youth, Bexley Mayor David Madison proclaimed May 15, 1994 "Pat Palmer Day". Pat was a life-long "prayer warrior", and in addition to her own prayer life she began and oversaw the Bexley United Methodist Church "prayer chain" which over the years involved hundreds of persons of the Church praying for God's loving intervention in the needs and situations of others.

Pat was predeceased by her parents Warren Albert Weaver and Mary Louise Pickering Weaver. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Joseph R. Palmer. Pat and Joe met in the first grade at the Etna School, and there and then began a love story, now 78 years old, that will continue forever. Pat is also survived by their children: Mark (Laurie) and grandsons Grant and Joseph; Matthew (Lisa) and granddaughters Layne, Catherine (Josh Kilmer) and Mary Grace; Andrew (Lori) and granddaughters Elise and Abigail; and Mary Elizabeth Palmer Duffy (Michael Duffy) and grandchildren Patricia, James, Katherine and Raymond. Pat is also survived by her sister Betty Stotler, brother Larry Weaver, and sister Mary Fickle.

Visiting hours will be from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM on Friday evening November 13 at the Bexley United Methodist Church, 2657 East Broad Street, Bexley, Ohio; and Saturday morning November 14 at the Bexley United Methodist Church from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. A memorial service will be held Saturday morning at 11:00 AM immediately following the time for visiting. Rev. Becky Piatt, Senior Minister at Bexley United Methodist Church will officiate. Rev. R. Robert Kimes will assist with the service. A luncheon for all present will immediately follow the service in the Church's Maloney Center. There will be a private family burial.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to The Bexley United Methodist Church, 2657 East Broad Street, Bexley, Ohio 43209; to Hospice Services at Methodist Elder Care, 1550 Old Henderson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220; or to the charity of your choosing.