Sandra Susie Q Diane Palmer

PALMER, SANDRA DIANE (SUSIE Q) – age 54 passed away June 28, 2012 at her home. Preceded in death by her loving parents Arthur and Cleta Mae Palmer; brother Ronald Palmer; nephew Kevin Delaney; and niece Tammy Cox. She is survived by sisters Hazel Mowery, Wanda Delaney and husband Gordon, Virginia Pratt and husband Boyd, and Cathy Cox and husband Joe, all of Knoxville, and Linda Johnson of New Market; and several nieces and nephews. Sandy was one of God’s special angels. Seriously injured at birth with a broken neck and ruptured ear drums and other multiple injuries, Sandy has led a life that has been confined mostly to her home. She suffered from epileptic seizures and in later years lost most all of her vision. She has spent the past few years bedridden. Most people would have taken Sandy and put her in a home but our parents dedicated their lives to taking care of her. They lost most of their friends and didn’t see a lot of family because they were always home taking care of Sandy. Most people did not understand that and choose to stay away; they didn’t want to come around someone like Sandy. I guess it’s a case of not wanting to be around something you don’t understand. That hurt our parents but it didn’t change the way they felt toward Sandy. She’s not had an easy life and she has suffered quite a bit. We don’t understand why things happen the way they do, but we have to have faith and trust in God and give Sandy the best possible care that anyone could get. Our parents greatest fear was Sandy would outlive them and that she would be placed in a home. Part of their fears came true. Our dad passed away in 1996 and mom passed away in 2007. We have kept Sandy in the home by us girls taking turns coming in and caring for her, trying to carry on for our parents. Our parents taught us to talk to Sandy as if she could hear us and to treat her as we would want to be treated if we were in the same position. Mom’s favorite expression was “But for the Grace of God go I”. She told us to always remember that it could have just as easily been one of us. Our dad affectionally called her Susie Q. She was their “favorite”. In fact you could say she was all of our favorite. She will most definitely have a special place in heaven because she is the closest to being “Godlike” that you could get. Sandy was shunned by other people but gratefully she did not know this, so therefore couldn’t get hurt by it. We feel sorry for everyone who didn’t know this special “little girl” because she was truly a gift from God. Family and friends will meet on Saturday at 10:45 A.M. at Pratt’s Chapel Cemetery for an 11:00 A.M. graveside service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Pratt’s Chapel Church. Special thanks to Dr. John R. Blake, Jr. and staff who have been so much help over the years. You are invited to leave your condolences and sign Sandra’s register at mccartyevergreen.com.