Carolyn Cheek Palmer

She was born at old Rex hospital in Raleigh to Dr. Charles Cheek and Eva Babcock Cheek. She spent her first years in Fuquay Springs before moving to Smithfield where she grew up and graduated from Smithfield Senior High. Carolyn attended Salem College for two years before attending and graduating from UNC Chapel Hill. It was there that she met the love of her life, Bill Palmer.

Together, they raised two boys: Bill, born in Virginia Beach, and Tom, born in Charlotte. In 1969, they moved to Gastonia and spent the better part of their adult lives there, leaving only to travel the world or to enjoy their home in the mountains at Seven Devils or their place at Litchfield Beach.

Before her family grew, Carolyn taught English and then returned to teaching later when the boys were old enough. She also had a love of music, playing the piano and singing in the church choir. She tried to pass her love of the piano on to her sons, unfortunately with only limited success.

Carolyn is predeceased by her husband Bill and son Bill, Jr.

She is survived by her son Tom; her sister Cathryn Zevenhuizen; her daughter-in-law Henrietta; her six grandchildren, Matt (Robert), Hugh (Bradleigh), Ben (Meghan), Maggie, Reid (Hannah), Preston; three great-grandchildren, Mary Reid, Parkes, and Henry; and numerous nieces and nephews. One of the joys of her final days was getting to meet her newest great-granddaughter.

A funeral service was held at 1pm on Tuesday, September 5th at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Gastonia, NC. A reception followed the service in the Parish Hall.

A graveside service will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 16th at Riverside Cemetery, 100 East Church St. Smithfield, NC 27577.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carolyn and Bill Palmer Fund at the Gaston Community Foundation, P.O. Box 123, Gastonia NC, 28053.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, NC 27605.