Beverly A. Palmer

BEVERLY A. PALMER, lovingly known as “Penny,” was born on October 25, 1951, to the late Mabel E. Palmer and Richard Palmer. She passed away peacefully at the age of 72 on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at 3:54 a.m. at Sinai Hospital, surrounded by her family. Penny was a devoted member of Saint Ann’s Catholic Church, where she began her faith journey as a child. She attended Saint Ann’s Elementary School and later graduated from the Institute of Notre Dame (IND), a Catholic all-girls high school in Baltimore, Maryland, where she sang soprano in the Acappella choir. Her education at IND instilled in her the values and discipline that guided her throughout her life. After high school, Penny pursued her passion for nursing at The Helene Fuld School of Nursing in Baltimore, earning her nursing degree in 1972. She furthered her education at The University of Baltimore, studying Business Administration. Penny began her distinguished nursing career in 1975 as a Staff Nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital, caring for surgical patients with skill and compassion. In 1977, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to work in the Open Heart ICU at Crawford W. Long Hospital. Despite her new experiences, her heart remained in Baltimore, and she returned to continue her nursing career. Back in Baltimore, Penny’s dedication led her to serve as the Director of Nursing at Union Memorial Hospital, where she worked at the first Subacute Unit. She continued her leadership as Director of Nursing and started the first Subacute unit at Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC), then moved on to Genesis Multi Medical Center. She later served as Director of Nursing at Loch Raven VA Medical Center, where she eventually retired. Throughout her career, Penny exemplified selflessness and devotion in nursing. Her boundless compassion and nurturing spirit touched the lives of countless patients and their families, inspiring her staff, colleagues, and patients alike with her tireless efforts and unwavering empathy. An active member of several professional organizations, including the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses and the American Nurses Association, Penny was a beloved figure in the nursing community. Her compassion, dedication, and empathy were a testament to her character, and her influence will be felt for years to come. Beyond her professional achievements, Penny was known for her vibrant personality and her beautiful hair, which always complemented her radiant presence. She enjoyed reading, singing in her opera soprano voice, watching Western TV shows, spending quality time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and traveling. She had a fondness for Cadillacs, often driving them on road trips to visit loved ones. Every year, she made cherished journeys to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to see her sister Carolyn, and to Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Ocean City and Myrtle Beach, where she stayed in her timeshare for her birthdays. Penny was not only a dedicated nurse but also a generous soul who gave freely to family and friends. She was a gem, known for her loving, caring, and kind nature. A woman of deep faith, Penny found comfort in daily Bible readings, hymns, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, which she faithfully prayed at 3 p.m. each day. Penny is survived by her four siblings: Carolyn Smith, Elaine Edmonds, Eric (Maggie) Palmer and Vivian Palmer; one uncle: Joseph Palmer; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and other family members. She also leaves behind her beloved and devoted nieces, Khristian and Khadeijah Palmer-Rhodes; her devoted godson, Boris Day, and goddaughter, Shalai Davis; her childhood best friends: Sharon Johnson-Stewart, Sandra Canty, Rachel Carrenard, Ariel Stanely, Cynthia Johnson, Marlene Howard and Claudia Lewis; her longtime friend: Sister Jeanne Barasha; dear friends: Audrey Ernestine Day, Mary Kumah, Mamie Edwards, Phyllis Olanrewaju, Joan Armstrong, Barbara Hannon and Cathy Portera. A special thank you to her caregivers, Shirrelle Hughes (niece) and Marie Debrosse Solomon (friend), for their loving support. The family extends a heartfelt gratitude to all the family, friends, classmates, church members, coworkers and colleagues, who touched Penny’s life and shared in her journey. Penny Palmer’s legacy is one of love, support, kindness, and unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her memory will forever be cherished.

Tributes

Beverly A. Palmer

October 25, 1951 - August 25, 2024