Norma Jean Palmer

Norma Jean Palmer was born in Denver, Colorado on April 21st, 1925 to Major and Myrtle Qualls. They blessed her life with wonderful Christian examples. She grew up in Denver with her brother, Richard “Dick” Qualls. She graduated from Abilene Christian University. Her first job was teaching at Florida Christian College where she met Jeff Palmer. She and Jeff were married January 1, 1950 and celebrated over 68 years together. They were a shining example of a Christian marriage. They were attracted to each other because they appreciated the qualities of a partner that would help them get to heaven. They each thought the other would help them raise children to be faithful to the Lord. These core values guided them through tough times and happy moments. To the end they were each other’s best friends, sharers of precious memories, and constant loving companions.

Through all of her life, Norma Jean was characterized by her sweet, loving, caring, generous, hospitable spirit. The hundreds of comments on Facebook about her Christian life are a testament to her character. One comment particularly stood out that we would like to share. Danielle Copeland was newly married when she and Benjamin moved to Birmingham. Norma Jean was close to 90 years old at that time and she and Jeff were still living in their own house. Danielle expressed our feelings in her post:

“Crying for our loss but so thankful for her gain. She was such an encouragement to me during my time in Birmingham, and truly felt like one of my best friends. I will always cherish the double dinner dates Benjamin and I had with Jeff and Jean, the sewing lessons, and just getting to spend time together for the sake of it. She was, and always will be such a bright light to me and countless others. I’m still praying I can be like her when I grow up; loving, patient, contented, zealous, and joyful. Praise God for his gift of eternal life, and that she is now enjoying her reward with Him and Jeff, without pain or sadness.”

Norma Jean is survived by her daughters and sons-in-laws: Janet and Darl Locke, Carol and John Petty, Joyce and Steve Crawford, Shari and JD Long. They were blessed with thirteen grandchildren: Clint Locke, Shannon Guthrie, Jeff Petty, Jeannie Stacy, Julia Petty, Jackson Petty, Adam Hackney, Sierra Schmidt, Chanelle Parker, Nate Long, Michelle Jones, Treena Mackinlay and Amy Sanchez. Thirty-one great-grandchildren have been added to the family.

Norma Jean Palmer passed away on December 24th, 2023. It was her Victory-in-Jesus Day, a day she lived for all of her life. 

A funeral for Norma Jean will be held at 1pm on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Dasher Church of Christ. Burial will follow at Dasher Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12-1pm. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home