I remember Mom in a special way from our humble beginnings at Flag House Projects in Baltimore, Maryland.  Mom always made a way out of no way. She always provided, kept food on the table and a roof over our heads. Mom gave gifts at Christmas and helped her family anyway possible.

We left Baltimore in 1963, the place of our birth, and moved to New York City.  We (she) went to get her bite out of the "Big  Apple"!  I had no choice, I was only 12 years old.  We adapted to the culture to survive and God kept making a way out of no way.  Mom was blessed with an opportunity to work for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and made the best of it by working her way up the ladder to retire as an administrative assistant to one of its chief financial officers.  Mom demonstrated to me what hard work and perseverance could do. Mom could squeeze a dollar out of 15 cents. One of many life lessons she taught me. She made the numbers work. No evictions, no homelessness, no begging on the streets. I don't know how but, we made it. 

 Mom became the family matriarch at a very early age.  All of us benefited by what wisdom life had given her. 

Mom was a giver until she could no longer give. She was concerned about the welfare of her family while hurting and infirmed in her own body and mind.
 
Mom's will to live and enjoy life outlasted her ailing body.  No woe is me, only "I will go on as long as my body allows".
 
Mom showed me Love, Perseverance, Steadfastness, Faith and Grace in the face of life and all of its challenges.

Her favorite song was "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" by Gladys Knight and the Pips.

 I will miss her physical presence; Mom will always be with me in spirit. "I'll Always Love My Mama She's My Favorite Girl".

She was my "Mom" for 74 years. Thank you, Mom, for everything.  I Love you Always. 

Your Loving Son,

Michael

I remember Aunt Pal’s smile like it had its own light.
She’d walk into a room and—before she even said a word—that big smile would do the talking. It made you feel seen, like you belonged there, like whatever you were carrying got a little lighter just because she looked at you. Her smile wasn’t just pretty… it was comfort. It was reassurance. It was that unspoken message: “You’re alright. We’re alright.”
And even now, when I think of her, that’s the first thing I see—Aunt Pal, wearing the biggest smile, giving the warmest kind of peace without even trying.

Thomas Shields:
I remember Pal recounting how her admirer was so devoted to her he broke a beer bottle over his head to prove his devotion.  I think that story is how is was recalled -- we were laughing so hard at its absurdity. Is that just memory.  I also love the group picture with Luther, who she would call him put on his BS, which he loved. 🤔🤪🥰
Thomas Shields:
Pal would hold court and share her light and her zest for life and being around her would make all feel better. She was a queen.

Michael Brooks:
The story was true. I was there for the show of devotion. His name was Freddie. 
Luther was infamous for feeding the horses.

Deborah Brothers:
I Remember Freddie😅7 B

Aunt Pal was a woman I admired.  She always made me feel I could be free to be me. She loved fashion and beauty and BEER... as I've aged , I see so much of her in me.   She has always given me the confidence to be "ghetto bougie" 🤣AND Speak my mind. Wear nice clothes. Buy shiny things but still DRINK MY BEER.   After Tony and I got married Pal kept in touch. She called us at least once a week asked me was I behaving myself and how was pretty Tony doing?🤣🤣🤣
I know Aunt Pal and  Jackie are in heaven. Putting on their fabulous crowns and gowns and TALKING SHIT😆😢💔. 
SELAH

I called her PAL, from the time I could talk,I called her PAL.I've known PAL for 75 years &  that was not Long enough.PAL called me Abby Boom Boom😉, Abby,or Boom & just Boom Boom😀...,End Chapter One

Aunt Pal was  monument full of charm, love, and grace.  Aunt Pal gave me the signature trademark nickname Chicken Butt, which I was very proud of. I remember saying to her, “Aunt Pal, guess what?” and she’d ask, “What?” and I’d say, “Chicken Butt!” and she would crack up laughing. I always loved her being around; she was full humorous  stories that would have everyone laughing out loud. Along with her fur coat it was the wind messing up her hair. She was more than just an aunt; she was like my mother and close friend. I miss. 🙏🏽💜♥️💯😘

There's so many things! But the one thing that always stood out was her love for Michael. Aunt pal loved her son. She was so giving and would help you if you needed. I remember the fur coat...mink to be exact. I always looked forward to her visits to Baltimore at Christmas time. She would have us cracking up. Just a joy to be around. Oh and she loved to eat and loved avocados. She would try to get me to eat them. I do now because of her and Unc. I'll miss her so much. ♥️

Hi, family, Pal was a jazzy Lady,she was always dressed to the nine. I remember one Thanksgiving in Baltimore it was hot, but she had on her beautiful black fur coat that she wore in from New York. Everyone was teasing her about how hot it was, but she was not taking that coat off. I just remember whenever I saw her she always greeted me with a big smile kiss and a hug.🙏🏽 ❤️

Nana, your journey in this life may have ended, but your warm spirt is felt in my children(Ananda and Anaya). You always treated me with love and compassion and a true family member. Job well done.

I've known you for most of my life. Palestine—you’re a mother-in-law, a grandmother, a great-grandmother all rolled into one. I hold so many precious memories of you—more than I could ever begin to count or describe. You’ve always been there, a constant, unwavering presence in every milestone, every joy, every heartbreak in the girls’ lives. 

And now, with all my heart, I find myself uttering the words of Stevie Wonder’s song:  
**As** I'll be LOVING  you always."  
Because that’s what you are to me—LOVE that endures beyond time, a lifelong bond that words can never fully capture.❤️💗💞

For Nana,

Nana was my great grandmother who talked to my picture every morning and called me her baby. I was her favorite baby until my dog, Rhino, came along to steal her love and affection. I remember the last time I saw her she gave Rhino an allowance because she would give an allowance to everyone, no matter the age. 

Love, 
Her Baby

My Nana….. I have many childhood memories of the times we shared together. Being her only grandchild, “Nana’s baby,” she would always tell me stories of how I would visit her in New York in the summertime when I was a child. We would catch the train from Baltimore to New York, go to Coney Island together, and drink beer 🍻 on her terrace  from a pretty glass (mine was apple juice). She was my fancy, rich grandmother with furs and diamonds. She made sure that I had diamond earrings so I could be fancy like her. When my oldest, Ananda, was born, she became Nana’s baby and made sure her first great grandchild was fancy as well, so you know she had to get her some diamond earrings too. When my youngest, Anaya was born she then became Nana’s baby and made sure she had fancy diamond earrings as well. There are so many “fancy” memories I have of my Nana. As long as I have my memories, she will live on forever in my heart ❤️. I will miss you.
Tife🥰

Nana, 

I will always appreciate and look back fondly at all the memories we shared. I will take the lessons that you have taught and instilled in this family and work to be the best version of myself. I will miss you dearly.  Thank you for all the love, care and support you have given me over the years. Im not Tife, but thats close enough.

You were always here to support me no matter how far; you made ways to still show me love!

Always loved traveling and creating new memories!

Hello Family & Friends!  My Mother-in-Love  and I spent quite a bit of time together!  Our special family days were Thursdays and Sundays!  Of course, the big challenge was always “The Food”!  Y’all know!😉  Mom was always a great cook and dignified fashionista!👗   I am grateful for the  privilege of sharing precious memories… Rest in Paradise… God Bless and Love Always… Your Daughter in Law …JoAnn

I'm going to miss aunt Pal's bright energy, her infectious laugh, how good she smelled & her beautiful fursss I use to love, she was so fly. One thing I will never forget is when she came to visit my grandmas house and we walked to the plaza to go to Burlington and then we would stroll to the dollar tree and she'd get me toys saying (get whatever you want) and I thought she was rich because she would get so much at once 🤣🤣🤣 She thought that was so funny! I wish I could have been in her presence one last time to talk about that. 🥹 Love you Aunt Pal 🙏🏽🫶🏽❤️

This picture was sent to me by my cousin Vanessa in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It shows Aunt Palestine at my mother Claudette’s house a few years ago, enjoying crabs, shrimp, etc., and all of us having fun singing oldies-but-goodies songs. It was a wonderful family time, and we were delighted to have Vanessa and her family there, along with Michael and JoAnn. Truly great memories

I extend my sincere condolences to the family in the loss of Ms. Pal. 
Ms. Pal was a sweet, kind woman. I met Ms. Pal over 25 years ago before or at her niece's (Michele) wedding. 
One of the things that was special about Ms. Pal  (and I am sure there are many), was, she remembered me. Although we haven't seen each other in years, she always asked about me. I was like, wow.  She remembered me. 😃 I would in turn ask Michele how she was doing. I thank God for having known such a sweet lady such as Ms. Pal. May she rest in Eternal Peace.  💜🙏🏽💜🙏🏽
And msy God continue to be a balm to her family's 💜 as they reflect on the precious memories of Ms. Pal. 🙏🏽

A lovely picture capturing Grandma Pearl and Aunt Palestine together.

As I honor Aunt Palestine, my heart is full of deep gratitude for the life she lived and the love she so generously poured into all of us. She was a remarkable woman—graceful, compassionate, and resilient through every season of her journey.

This past year, her Sunday afternoon calls became a cherished ritual of love and laughter. Without fail, she would ask my mother the same familiar questions: What are you doing? Are the Ravens playing today? What are you eating? Who’s there? Is James there with you? We would answer each one, smiling at her curiosity, and then pass the phone around so everyone could say “Hi” and “I love you.” Those moments were simple, yet sacred—small threads of connection that wove themselves into the fabric of our hearts.

There is no doubt she will be deeply missed. Her presence, her voice, and her unwavering love leave an imprint that time will never erase. And Michael and JoAnn, I echo what cousin Thomas shared—you cared for Aunt Palestine with extraordinary devotion. The way you showed up for her was a true reflection of the love she gave so freely.

Lovingly remembering my dearest Aunt Palestine! As I 
reflect on the beauty of your persona and  your joyous spirit I am reminded of how you were so loved! Your smile and presence would light up any room/occasion! I fondly remember how each and every Christmas you sent Keva and I gift cards. Talking to you always lifted my spirits and was a positive and enlightening conversation. It is with great sadness that I have to write this message! But deep in my spirit is the joy of the countless memories I hold dear that will sustain me from your physical absence! You are greatly loved Aunt Pal..and will be greatly missed! Love Sylvia….❤️

My Aunt Pal…she used to send me $2.00 a week. I thought that’s was a lot of money when I was younger. So funny just thinking about it. She would always visit during us in Baltimore during the holidays and we loved seeing her cause she always had a story to tell. I’ll miss her sense of humor! I was her baby for a long time, I got special treatment from her and I loved it 😍! She’s in peace and hopefully she’s catching up with my grandmother, her sister…Pearl Baby! Love you forever and always Aunt Pal 🕊️!

Hey Michael,
You were a dutiful son to the end and you both were blessed to have each other. Our hearts go out to you and JoAnn. May you find comfort in the Lord.
From your west coast family.
Thomas and Lisa Shields,

OBITUARY

Palestine Elaine Lockley

November 14, 1932 – December 14, 2025

Hardage - Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery

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