Dorothy B. Palmer

Mrs. Dorothy Butler Palmer of Atlanta, passed June 12, 2025.  Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Hoosier United Methodist Church, 2545 Benjamin E. Mays Dr., SW, with The Reverend Gary Dean, Pastor, officiating. The public viewing will be on Monday, June 16, 2025 at our chapel from 1 to 5 p.m.  The Memorial Service of The National Epicureans, Inc. will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at the church at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Omega, Omega Service of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at 10 a.m.

Dorothy Mae Butler Palmer, affectionately known to many as "Dot", was a truly remarkable woman. A beloved wife, devoted mother and grandmother, steadfast friend, passionate educator, and a woman of unwavering faith, Dot lived a life that was rich in love — love given, love received, and love shared. Born on April 23, 1941, in Birmingham, Alabama, Dorothy was the third of four children in a loving home led by Lela and Mark Butler. Theirs was a close-knit family, including older sister and brother Ora and Curtis, and later welcoming her younger sister Fannie. At home, Dot was the gentle spirit — obedient, caring, and always a willing helper to her mother. That same spirit followed her throughout her life and became the foundation of the woman we all knew and loved.

Dot was a bright, inquisitive student with an insatiable love of learning. Her passion for knowledge was a flame that never dimmed. She graduated from Parker High School in 1958, began her college journey at Miles College, and then transferred to Alabama A&M University — a decision that would shape the rest of her life. It was there she found her voice, her vocation,and many of her lifelong passions. It was also there that she gained her nickname "Dot," pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and most significantly, met her partner for life — James L. Palmer.

Dot and James married on August 14, 1964, and their love was a true partnership that spanned over six decades. Together, they built a beautiful life — one rooted in love, laughter, adventure, and deep devotion. Their journey began in Washington State, where they welcomed their first daughter, Sherry Lynn. The Army then led them to Germany, where Sandra Kaye was born, and where Dot's love for travel truly blossomed. She reveled in the beauty of England, France, Italy, and Switzerland — embracing each new culture and experience with curiosity and grace. Their final stop was Atlanta, where they completed their family with the arrival of Jennifer Nicole.

After earning her bachelor's degree in education from A&M, she began her teaching career in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Dot's academic accomplishments continued as she earned her Master's in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University and devoted the majority of her career to the Atlanta Public Schools. A passionate educator, Dot didn't just teach — she nurtured, inspired, and believed in the potential of every child who walked into her classroom.

Dot's life was so much more than career and travel. Her heart beat strongest for her family, her faith, her friendships, and her beloved sorority. A proud and devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dot was initiated into the Delta Delta Chapter in Spring 1961. After moving to Atlanta, she joined the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter before serving as a Charter member and thefirst Recording Secretary of the East Point College Park Alumnae Chapter — a chapter she lovingly served for the remainder of her life. Her joy in Delta grew deeper when daughters Sandy and Sherry, and granddaughters Sydney and Danielle followed in their footsteps, continuing the legacy of sisterhood she held so dear.

Dot surrounded herself with friends who shared her love of learning and living. She remained an active, devoted member of Hoosier Memorial United Methodist Church, where her presence was as dependable as it was cherished. She was a faithful member of the Pearls Book Club, always eager for the next story and the next thoughtful discussion. She found deep camaraderie and lifelong friendships with the Atlanta Chapter of the National Epicureans and these friendships anchored her through all of life's chapters. Don and Lorraine Quash, Richard and Catherine English, Larry and Brendell Stewart — your bonds were not simply social, they were soulful, and her love for you was unwavering.

Dot's life journey was marked by a remarkable blend of leadership and unwavering support – a quality that shone brightly in every community that she touched. Whether serving as an officer in the Pearls book club or taking on leadership roles with the Atlanta Epicureans at both National and local levels, Dot not only guided her peers but also lifted with her kindness and compassion. Beyond these accomplishments she held vital positions within her church and the American Federation of Teachers, where she championed the causes of her congregation and fellow educators with fervor and thoughtfulness. Above all, Dot's greatest joy came from her family — her children, her grandchildren, and the life she and James built together. She was a mother who loved fiercely, a grandmother who delighted in the smiles and successes of her grandchildren, and a woman who shared her faith as a guiding light in all things.

When Dorothy took her last breath on the morning of June 12, she was surrounded by love — the love of her Savior, the love of her family, and the love of the countless lives she had touched. She lived her life with grace, integrity, curiosity, and a heart full of compassion. And now, as we remember her, we hold on to those things she gave us — wisdom, laughter, strength, and above all, love. Dot once said she loved God and the life He blessed her with.

Today, we thank God for blessing us with her. Dorothy is survived by her loving husband of nearly 61 years, James, her daughters Sherry Smith (Barnett), Sandy Gordon (Carlos) and Jennifer Whittinham, grandchildren Jonathan Gordon, Danielle Gordon, Sydney Whittinham and Sophia Whittinham; her stepson James Jr and his children Turnmeika Smith (Landy) and James Palmer III; chosen son Robert Whittinham and his mother Esmeralda, nephew Cordell Palmer who cherished her as a second mother; brother-in-law Aaron Robinson, sister-in-law Dorothy Osborne. She is also mourned by beloved cousins, nieces and nephews and friends too numerous to count. She is missed and her memory will be a blessing to all who loved her.