Deacon Thomas Joseph Palmer

“Servant of God Well Done!” And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Deuteronomy 6:5) Thomas Joseph Palmer was born on July 15, 1925 in Yazoo City, Mississippi to Thomas and Flossie Palmer. He attended grade school in Yazoo City. At an early age, he had strong work ethics passed down from his father. He worked in Saw Mills in Yazoo City and later in New Orleans, Louisiana. With a yearning to serve, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After completing his military duties, he returned to Yazoo City; where he caught the attention of Dorothy Chambers. On February 27, 1974 they were united in Holy Matrimony. Only four days after the wedding the couple decided to relocate to Winter Garden, Florida. He was a hard worker and provided for his wife’s wants and needs. He worked in the Citrus Industry for several years including Louis Dreyfus (Juice Plant) and Freeman Citrus Growers. Later, he was employed by Continental Can Company. He loved riding his bicycle and playing checkers. Upon arriving in Winter Garden, he and his wife Dorothy joined the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist under the leadership of the late Reverend F. E. Wilder. His spiritual life was based on strong work ethics as well. He loved the Lord and by working in the Master’s vineyard; he could lead others to Christ. Reading and understanding God’s Word was a gift he shared. He was also a dedicated Usher. In 1984, he was ordained as a Deacon. His faithfulness and devotion continued. He served with the same spirit under Reverend C. Redding Taylor, as he did under Reverend Wilder. His passion was teaching Sunday School and Bible Study. Being a Deacon was not just a position or title for him. He was true to his calling. For four and a half decades (46 years), Deacon Palmer served untiringly with integrity, honesty, righteousness, compassion and humility. His motto was, “Only What You Do for Christ Will Last.” On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, with Dorothy by his bedside, God called Deacon Palmer from his earthly labor to eternal rest. He was preceded in death by his parents: Thomas and Flossie Palmer; two sisters: Mary Stadner and Rose Lee Henderson and 1 brother: Fred Palmer. He leaves precious memories with a loving and devoted wife, Dorothy of 46 years; four nieces: Shemone Collins and Savanda Ricardo, of Gulfport Mississippi; Debbie Smith and Cheryl Thompson, of Harvey, Illinois; one nephew: Bernard Price, of Harvey, Illinois; one sister-in-law: Emma Chambers Rials, of Gulfport, Mississippi; other relatives: devoted friend: Deacon Jacob Brunson, The Bethlehem Church Family and sorrowing friends.

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Deacon Thomas Joseph Palmer

July 15, 1925 - April 7, 2020