Obituaries

Mildred Jones Palmer Wilson

Photo of Mildred Jones Palmer Wilson
Mrs. Mildred Jones Palmer Wilson, 91, of New Bloomfield, passed away Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at CastleParke Assisted Living in Jefferson City. She was born April 1, 1920, in Guthrie, the daughter of Wallace H. and Anna Mae (Emmons) Jones. She was married April 20, 1941, to Marvin Lee Palmer who preceded her in death on March 16, 1963. She later married John Price Wilson of Bowling Green on November 24, 1967; he survives. She was a member of Dry Fork Baptist Church since the age of nine years. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Retired Teacher's Association (state and local), Guthrie Service Club, Eastern Star, and various other service organizations. She was always interested in the youth of the church and community. She taught Adult Sunday School from 1970 until 2002 and continued to substitute as needed. She served as Camp Director for Callaway Baptist Association at Providence Hill for several summers. At age 18, she became the Vacation Bible School Principle and pianist for Dry Fork Church, serving in those roles for over 50 years. She attended William Woods College in 1938 and '39. She later graduated from Lincoln University with a B.S. Degree in Special Education. She was one of the last teachers to receive a Missouri Lifetime Teaching Certificate. She taught 16 years in rural Callaway County schools and 25 years for Fulton Public Schools. She continued to substitute after her retirement in 1983. She had over 150 children come into her home for piano lessons and tutoring from her public school retirement until recently. She also worked with Lana and Larry Lucas when they started Little Flowers Day Center in 1989 and continued to serve as a grandma image to those at the daycare. She was called "Miss Mildred" by everyone. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sister, Dixie B. Rhodes of New Bloomfield; sons, Frederick L. Palmer of Columbia and William P. Palmer and wife Marion of Anderson, Ind.; daughter-in-law, Joann Palmer of O'Fallon; step-sons, Gary N. Wilson and wife Rita of Belleville, Ill. and Harry J. Wilson and wife Martha of Climax Springs. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Lisa Palmer McGinnis and husband Tim of St. Louis, Vicki Palmer, Robert Palmer and wife Nida, all of Columbia, Jeanna Palmer Gunville and husband Mike of Chicago, Ill., and Eric Palmer of West Lafayette, Ind.; granddaughter-in-law, Jill Vandermer Palmer of Chesterton, Ind.; six step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces nephews and other relatives. In addition to her first husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Wallace R. Palmer; grandson, Kevin R. Palmer; nephew, Dennis Rhodes; and daughter-in-law, Cindy Palmer. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. at Dry Fork Baptist Church on Saturday, March 17. Interment will follow at Dry Fork Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday at Debo Funeral Home in Holts Summit. In lieu of customary memorials, the family suggests donations be made in Mildred's name to Dry Fork Church or Dry Fork Cemetery, c/o Debo Funeral Home, P.O. Box 314, Holts Summit, MO 65043. Condolences can be sent by visiting www.debofuneral home.com.

Published March 15, 2012