Joyce Palmer Obituary

Mrs. Joyce Thomas Palmer, age 86, of Douglasville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 3, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on January 7, 1939, in Sylacauga, Alabama, the beloved daughter of the late Dalton Admiral Thomas and Eunice Evelyn Martin Thomas. Joyce was a trailblazer in her field, working for over 30 years as a computer programmer in the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) division at Fort McPherson. At a time when few women were represented in technology, she built a respected and accomplished career marked by expertise, dedication, and quiet perseverance. She retired in her fifties, but her curiosity and creativity never slowed. Following retirement, Joyce devoted herself to her many hobbies, especially crafting. Whether it was sewing, quilting, arranging flowers, or working with her hands to create beautiful and thoughtful gifts, she found joy in making things for others. Her love for flowers often bloomed into vibrant arrangements that brightened the homes and hearts of those she loved. She poured the same care into her family and her faith, remaining a devoted member of Faith Community Church in Douglasville, where she served faithfully for many years. Above all, Joyce was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her home was always a place of warmth, laughter, and open arms. She was a steady and nurturing presence in the lives of those she loved, and her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of her family. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 69 years, Hubert Weldon Palmer, Sr.; her daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Donald Keen; her son and daughter-in-law, Donnie and Kathy Palmer; her treasured grandchildren, Jarod Keen and his wife Casey, CR Palmer and his wife Lindsey, Ashleigh Keen Gambrell and her husband Edward, and Caley Palmer Bowen and her husband Clint. She was also the proud great-grandmother of Mackenzie Keen, Chase Palmer, Lilly Kate Palmer, Lila Palmer, Carson Bowen, Coleton Bowen, Macy Gambrell, Parker Gay, and Grayson Gay. Additionally, Joyce leaves behind her brother, Kenneth Thomas, and her nephews, David Thomas and Keith Thomas. Each of them brought immense joy to her life and were deeply loved in return. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Martin & Hightower Funeral Home in Carrollton, Georgia, with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM in the Chapel, officiated by Pastor Jim Garrett. Joyce will be laid to rest following the service at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in her hometown of Sylacauga, Alabama, at 2:00 PM EST. Messages of love and condolences may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to care for Mrs. Joyce and her family during this time.