Willie Lee Palmer was born December 21, 1921, to the parents of Catherine Griggs and Sims Monroe in Ferriday, Louisiana on Lake Saint John.  Willie Lee as she was commonly known as, often spoke of being raised with her cousins Lucida, Pricilla, Jessie B. and Strawder.  They all loved spending time with their grandparents, Strawder and Mariah Griggs.  Her grandparents were instrumental in teaching the importance of strong family morals and values, hard work and being a good Christian.

Willie Lee was baptized at an early age in Ferriday, LA and was raised to be an active member of the church.  As an adult she made the decision to move to Kansas City, MO where she met and married Howard Palmer.  Howard and Willie Lee were married for over 40 years, and the both of them worked side by side in the building of Gods Kingdom.  They became members of Emmanuel Baptist Church, and later moved their membership to Greater Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the Leadership of Pastor Albert Colbert.

Willie Lee loved to cook and was especially fond of preparing baked goods.  Her home was welcoming and always a place where you could expect a good meal and could listen to gospel music on the radio daily.  The love and caring spirit that she processed was the direct result of her love of God and Church.  She often worked in the church kitchen, where she shared her culinary talents and skills with others.  She felt honored to have served as the President of the Deaconess Board responsible for preparing the Alter for Communion.  Her position on the Deaconess Board allowed her to work closely with Rev. Fletcher.  Her relationship of love and respect for Rev. Fletcher was beyond reproach.  Her attitude was "You better not say anything negative about Rev. Fletcher".  To her, Greater Mt. Zion, Rev. Joseph Fletcher and the Church Congregation were Absolutely Perfect.

Willie Lee was employed at Lake City Ammunition Plant and Saint Mary's Hospital.  She retire from Saint Mary's Hospital after 25 years of service.  After her retirement, she became the caregiver of her husband Howard Palmer who proceeded her in death in August of 1995.

Willie was a woman of great determination and had a strong desire to learn.  She was 80 something years old, when she decided to go back to school.  She spent countless hours at her dining room table completing her school assignments.  She attended class at Central High School across the street from her home.  Willie Lee Palmer graduated from Terrell Penn High School at the age of 88.

Willie loved taking care of her family.  There were many who came and lived with her and she would help them to get a new or better start in life.  Willie Lee Palmer was "A Lady".  She was a Beautiful Lady of Principle and Character, and those who knew her understood that Her Grace was the result of her Christianity.

She leaves to cherish her life memories: The Ellis, McCraney and Monroe families; special cousins, Tamara Graves and Jarita Tate; sons, Howard Palmer Jr. and Chester Palmer (Lois) both of KCMO; grandchildren, Howard, Chester II, LaBranson, Aaron and Laci Palmer; great-granddaughter, Sylvin Palmer and a host of relatives and friends.

Services for Mrs. Palmer will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 11, 2020, at Greater Mt. Zion MBC.    Burial Blue Forest Hill Cemetery.  Friends may call from 9:00 A.M. until service time Saturday at the church.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc .