Jean B. Palmer Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Jean Bethalia Palmer (age 91) of Ypsilanti, MI went to eternal glory peacefully at home, Friday, September 25, 2020. Born in Ypsilanti, February 14, 1929, Jean Bethalia Kersey was the fourth child of Edna and Arden Grant Kersey, I. Of her six siblings, a sister, Betty Stevens (age 95) Whitmore Lake, MI survive her. Departed siblings include, Floyd Kersey, Robert Kersey, Joseph Kersey, Marion Kersey and sister-niece Peggy Taylor. Jean was born the year of the 1929 Wall Street crash, Popeye 1st appeared, the 1st Academy Awards, and color TV was invented. Herbert Hoover was president. She began her education at Eastern Michigan Normal School and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1946. She and her sister Betty trained in nursing at the U of M. She worked at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center as an aid until 1976. Jean loved cooking and baking, fishing in the Great Lakes, listening to classical music and watching her shoot-um-ups! She was a member of the Palm Leaf Club serving the community with social and spiritual support, providing educational scholarship to the youth. She lived their motto, “With God as our Guide, our motto is Success.” In 1947 she married Richard Lee Atkins of Ypsilanti. They had three children, Kathleen Atkins Wilson, Los Angeles, Dyke C. Atkins, Ypsilanti and Eric Anthony Atkins (pre-deceased). She married Fred Palmer Jr. September 1961, recently celebrating their 59th Wedding Anniversary. She gained a step-daughter, Tracie Lynn Rodriguez, Deltona, FL. Jean is survived by her beloved husband, Fred Palmer, Jr., son Dyke C. Atkins, contractor, daughter, Kathleen Atkins Wilson, nationally celebrated artist, and Tracie L. Rodriguez, Hygienist, a God son, Eric Johnson, San Antonio, TX. (12) grand-children: Leslie, Nicole, Kevin, Richard, Eric, Robert, Evan, Everett, Rena, Toyka, Michael, Natalie and Fred (pre-deceased). Dearly loved in-laws, great-grandchildren; Jeremiah, Robert, Jr., Cameron, Julian, Amina, Elijah, Eric Jr., Austin, and one great-great-granddaughter, Aubrey Nicole Atkins, Grandnieces; Diana, Anne, Betty, Angie, Nancy and Grandnephews; Lane, Leon, Joseph, Arden Grant Kersey, III and cherished long-time friends. Flowers and Condolences can be sent to: C&H Community Home for Funerals 411 So. Adams St., Ypsilanti, MI 48197 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 at 3:00 pm (734) 482-9889 Submitted by Kathleen A. Wilson (323) 251-1472

Jean B. Palmer

February 14, 1929 - September 25, 2020

Obituary & Service

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Jean B. Palmer

February 14, 1929 - September 25, 2020

Obituary & Service

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