Joyce Johnson Palmer

February 27, 1937 – May 9, 2015

Joyce Johnson Palmer died unexpectedly on May 9, 2015.

Joyce was a sweet, loving, thoughtful, faithful, generous, wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Joyce was born on February 27, 1937 in Jacksonville, Florida. She grew up with two sisters and a brother in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida, where they helped in their family-own restaurant and local institution, The Sandbar. Joyce graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville and remained an avid Gator fan.

While teaching in France, Joyce met the man who would be her husband of 52 years, Captain Roy Palmer, an U.S. Air Force pilot. Joyce and Roy married soon after and returned to the United States where they were stationed at bases across the country and raised two children, Jay and Kara. She also volunteered in many capacities, including as a hospice caregiver. When Roy became a Boeing test pilot, they moved to the Pacific Northwest and built their home of 30 years on Mercer Island.

Joyce was a devoted member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Mercer Island and a kind friend to many parishioners. She loved plants and flowers and was a member of a Washington Park Arboretum group. She also met with the “Soulmates” walking group every Wednesday, rain or shine, and went on hikes with the “Trailmates” group.

She took special joy in spending time with her two grandchildren, Kaley and Silas, who have learned how to be caring and thoughtful from their “Nana.” Joyce was an exceptional woman who touched the lives of so many people. Our hearts ache from losing her, and at the same time, will always be filled by our memories of her love and grace. In addition to Roy, Jay, Kara, Kaley and Silas, she is survived by her sisters, Shirley and Janine, and her brother, Pierce. Donations may be made in Joyce’s loving memory to Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Mercer Island.