The Life, the legacy of Ms. Palmer

The History of The Honorable Josephine Palmer Josephine  Cunningham Palmer was born on June 12, 1906  in Union, South Carolina  to Matilda and Bennie Cunningham and is the ninth child of fourteen  children.  She received her early Christian education at New Hope A.M.E.  Church in Union, South Carolina.  Josephine married Curtis Palmer on  January 10, 1929 in Union, South Carolina where they lived for a brief  period before relocating to Washington, DC in 1935. In  the District of Columbia, Mrs. Palmer was led to join Galbraith A.M.E.  Zion Church under the pastorate of Reverend James White.  Mr. and Mrs.  Palmer later became members of Contee A.M.E. Church where her career  began. Mrs. Palmer was a very active woman in her church and in her  community where she focused on those in need.  Mrs. Palmer never ran  across a problem or individual that she did not have the desire to help,  or find solutions to their problems or situations.   Mrs.  Palmer was a volunteer of thirty-five years at D.C. General Hospital  where she was a candy striper.  She was also selected as the missionary  women’s society chairman in which she served for many years coordinating  trips, activities and social events tied to the community until the  death of her husband, Curtis Palmer in December 17, 1970. On  December 10, 1989, Mrs. Palmer received a special recognition from  Contee A.M.E. Zion Church titled, “Outstanding and Dedicated Service  Award”.  Mrs. Palmer was also a member of The Eagle Club at Dinwiddie  Institute of the A.M.E. Zion Church; a community outreach organization  dedicated to providing transportation to seniors. 

President Clinton Honor Outstanding Service
  

In  1999, Mrs. Palmer was blessed to be acknowledged by President Clinton  for years of service to her community.  Mrs. Palmer gave unselfishly to  all without ever receiving any government assistance.   Mrs. Palmer gave  to the disadvantaged, fed the  homeless, taught the youth; young adults and taught them with many life  skills that could enhance their way of life.  May 31, 2003, Mrs. Palmer was given the lifetime achievement award by NTT Solutions, headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi.  

Mrs. Palmer had a zeal for life that brightened and touched the lives of all she met.  She continued to bond with her family  at the annual Cunningham family reunions in which she loved so  much.  Ms. Palmer always believed in "helping and teaching those in need" which was her favorite saying. Also, her favorite bible verse was: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not on to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6