Melissa Palmer Solomon

Born June 2, 1982, in Atlanta, Ga to Dennis and Robbi (Hamling) Palmer, Melissa was the youngest of two girls. She attended Chattahoochee and Centennial High Schools before earning her Bachelor of Science in Education at the University of Georgia and her Master’s Degree in Library Science.

She began her teaching career at Chesney Elementary in Duluth, GA where she taught 2nd grade. From there, she taught ESOL at Hembree Springs Elementary in Roswell before moving to Athens, where she worked at both Timothy Road Elementary and Fowler Drive Elementary. While working as a media specialist at Fowler Drive, she was honored as teacher of the year. Melissa adored her students and they loved her in return.

She married the love of her life, TJ Solomon, on Sept 29, 2011, followed by a formal ceremony and reception on Oct. 1. They went on to welcome Leah Jane in 2016 and Benedick Palmer (Ben) in 2020.

Melissa loved books, as evidenced by her career choice of media specialist. She spent her spare time reading, had almost 1000 books recorded in her reading journal, and started a book club in Arlington Heights. She also loved to travel, but her very favorite thing was spending time with loved ones.

She had a wonderful sense of humor, always encouraged and championed others, and made an impact in the lives of all those lucky enough to know her.

Melissa is survived by her husband, TJ, daughter Leah, and son, Ben of Arlington Heights, IL; her father, Dennis Palmer, sister Holly (Matt) Blackwell, nieces Caroline and Maggie Blackwell, all of Roswell, GA; parent in-laws Sheryl and Mark Benedick, brother-in-law Chris (Joyanna) Solomon, nieces Brecklynn and Audrey, and nephew Cooper Solomon, all of Arvada, CO; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins also known as the Ham Fam.

She is predeceased by her mother, Robbi Hamling Palmer; grandparents Robert and Anne Palmer and Coe and Betty Hamling; and uncle Larry Puckett.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026, at 1:30 pm at First United Methodist of Arlington Heights, 1903 E Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2501 E. Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.

Friends and family are invited to a reception immediately following the committal. The reception will be at The Empty Corner from 3:45 - 5:45 PM, 214 E. Grove St., Arlington Heights, IL 60005.

A memorial service in Georgia will follow later in the summer.