Barbara Marie Palmer

Barbara Marie Palmer was born to Alice Kiker Stiner and Manning Elijah Stiner on 1/10/29 in Margaret, AL. She gracefully passed on Good Friday at age 86 with enormous strength, pride and dignity in her hometown Birmingham, Al. Preceded in death were 2 sons, Emile Jayson Palmer/age-unknown and James Ward Palmer/age-64.

Barbara Palmer was a secret magical person who lived a vivacious life driven by her enormous love for her son that brought much success in all her many careers. She was the sole supporter for herself and Jimmy. Her contagious joyful sprit and incredible talent opened the doors for women in the radio/television and broadcasting careers. She lived life to the fullest with much confidence while running through many roadblocks women had to encounter to succeed in a predominately male career during the 1950s-1960s.

Many people consider her a pioneer for Alabama women who are in the field of radio/television and broadcasting. Barbara was named one of Birmingham's Outstanding Young Career Women for 1968-1969, she was a fashion consultant, free lance talent in radio and television; worked in radio broadcasting for over 15 years and was Women's Director and Community Relations Director for WBRC Radio.

Ms. Palmer acted in one play “The Price”, she was President of Professional Models Assoc., and a model for many fashion shows. She worked for Pizitz Department Stores as their fashion director for several years. She once said that she never wanted to be known as a model but remembered for her talent instead. She was so beautiful and her beauty couldn't help but be recognized and remembered. We will all miss the times together, laughing and looking back in time, discussing the chapters in her life.

She also received many awards from service organizations for outstanding help in the community, modeled in New York, served as producer, coordinator, and commentator. She was a singer, actor and in many fashion shows throughout the Southeast while working nationally and internationally with many known fashion designers. For years she guided young teenage girls who were interested in the communications field by presenting them with scholarships through the Press Club's annual Razzberry Awards with her inner hearts desire to educate a girl and you educate a family.

The last 20 years of her career were spent serving the public by working for the Birmingham, Alabama Better Business Bureau (BBB) in membership development using her pleasant communication skills through public speaking.

Barbara also loved animals and was a member of the Birmingham Kennel Club. She especially loved Pomeranians and her sweet heart gave my mom one named Spice who was the brother to her dog Sugar. When Barbara’s soft heart found out my mom’s favorite dog was also a Pomeranian and how her heart had grieved for years when hers was killed she surprised her with Spice.

Our shining shooting star now rests in peace, leaving her legacy behind that opened the doors for women to succeed in the broadcasting field. May her sweet spirit and love remain in everyone who was given the honor to be her friend and especially her son's friends: Chuck Williams, Stewart Gaines, Jerry Burgess, Joey Campbell and Dale Swafford who have helped her tremendously since the passing of her son.

The memory of her beautiful yet mischievous eyes that kept us all wondering what she was up to next will remain in the hearts of everyone she loved.

All our love