Willie Lee Palmer Sr.

Willie Lee Palmer Sr., 78, entered eternal rest Monday, May 28, 2012 at home following a long battle with cardiac amyloidosis. Willie was born on October 7, 1933 in River Township, NC. During his early life, he professed faith in Christ, joined and remained a member at Pleasant Zion Baptist Church in Littleton, NC. Afterward he relocated to Paterson, NJ, met the love of his life Sarah Ann Betts and attended Mount Bethel Baptist Church, in Ridgewood, NJ. Willie was a dedicated man of God, committed to working hard and providing for his family. After retiring he moved back to North Carolina and joined Christ Family Church, in Cary, NC. In his final days this adored patriarch enjoyed spending time with the Lord and his family. Willie is now in that glorious celestial resting place, or as he said, “home with Jesus.”

In addition to his parents, Willie was predeceased by his brother, Haywood Palmer and two sisters, Frances Palmer Clanton and Esther Palmer Silver.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife of 54 years, Sarah Ann Betts Palmer; four wonderful sons, Willie Lee Palmer Jr. (Janice) of Paterson, NJ, Michael Palmer of Tempe, AZ, Anthony Palmer (Lavelle) of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, Timothy Palmer (Pauline) of Hawthorne, NJ , and a devoted daughter, Sharon Palmer of Cary, NC. His life was enriched with grandchildren: Marina, Nikita, Jahmel, Jahvon, Wilice, Jarret, Jasmine, Olivia, Anthony Jr., Timothy Jr., Jalen, and Michael. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Hall (Scott), Iwilla Ellis (Claude) and Earlene Betts; brothers-in-law, Jimmy Troy and William Betts; his Godson/nephew, Fintress George, as well as a host of other nephews, nieces, cousins, great grandchildren and other close friends who loved him dearly. His friendly smile and kind demeanor will be forever missed.

The family will receive friends Thursday, May 31, 2012 from 6-8 p.m. at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 S.E. Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 from 5-7 p.m. at Bible Baptist Church, 31 Passaic Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604 with the funeral service immediately following. The repass will be held at the church after the funeral service.

Flowers are appreciated for services in NJ. In lieu of sending flowers to services in NC, please make donations in honor of Willie Lee Palmer Sr. at www.mayoclinic.com (specify Amyloidosis Research through the Other Designation option). Checks can be mailed to Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 (check memo should specify Amyloidosis Research in honor of Willie Lee Palmer Sr.).