It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Raydell Wakefield Palmer, of Amarillo and Plano, Texas, at the age of 93. She was born on March 14, 1932, in Plaska, Texas, to Earnest Cash Wakefield and Jewel Fay Hays. Raydell peacefully passed away on April 23, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family.
Raydell’s life was filled with the warmth of her family and the joy of raising her children. She married Donnie Quain Palmer on September 9, 1949. Raydell was 17 and Donnie was 19 when they married and moved with the Palmer family to Perry, Iowa. Her classmates called her “Tex” and crowned her Queen of Perry High. Their 60 years together were marked by unwavering love, devotion and lots of laughter.
In 1959, Raydell and Donnie welcomed their first child, Quain, who was killed by lightning at the age of 12 in 1971. They were also blessed with two other children, Shonda and Shane who were gifted a childhood full of wonderful memories on Green Haven, a place that will forever be home. After Donnie’s passing in 2009, she carried his memory and the lessons of their shared life with grace and strength.
Raydell was always there to offer a slice of homemade pie or a word from the Bible. She taught her children the value of love and family, and these principles extended to her welcoming of Shonda’s husband, Steve, and Shane’s wife, Valerie, into the Palmer family. Raydell’s love for her family was limitless, and she treasured her two grandsons, Quain and Cruise, with all her heart.
In addition to her role as a devoted wife and mother, Raydell was an active member of the NWTH Auxiliary, where she served as President, as well as a committee member of the Bi-County Health Board and the PTA. Her community involvement was a reflection of her generous spirit and her desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus here on earth.
Raydell’s faith was a central part of her life, raising her family at Anna Street Church of Christ. She found great comfort in the love of Jesus Christ, which she shared with those around her. She lived her life as a testament to the power of faith and the importance of trusting God in all things.
Raydell is survived by her daughter Shonda (Steve) of Dallas, her son Shane (Valerie) of Scottsdale, and her beloved grandsons Quain and Cruise. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will forever cherish the memories of her hospitality and loving spirit.
She was preceded in death by her son Quain, her parents Earnest and Jewel Wakefield, her sister Darlene Campbell Chesshir, her brothers Wayne, Hays, and Deral Wakefield and her nephew Rock Wakefield.
