On December 31, 2019, Lillie Mae (Eckhart) Palmer passed peacefully away at the age of 89. She was born on April 10, 1930 in Baltimore, MD to Henry and Martha (Nafzinger) Eckhart. She graduated from Towson High School in 1948, married in 1952, and began a life focused on family, friends, and the Lord.
For 60 years, she was the beloved wife of the late Carl Wade Palmer, and together they raised six devoted daughters – Carol Wallace (husband Joseph), Barbara Raines (husband Gary), Susan Schroeder (husband Richard), Mary Gregory (husband Jack), Sharon Palmer and Joyce Maranto (husband Samuel).
She was lovingly known as ‘Nanny’ to 14 grandchildren – Stephanie, Robert, Melissa, Ian, Lisa, Carl, Rhiannon, Sara, Sean, Evan, Justin, Lauren, Jacob and Cody, and 18 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother, Phillip Eckhart, and is survived by her sister, Mary Emma Throm.
Family and friends will always remember her quiet demeanor, gentle nature and kind heart. As a long-time member of the Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren, she gave freely of her time as a choir member, Sunday School teacher, and participant in many of the children’s programs. Her heart was for children (especially babies!!) and beyond caring for her own daughters and grandchildren, she happily provided childcare for neighbors, local churches, and families throughout the community. Through her time and efforts, she influenced so many young lives, and her spirit will carry on in those she touched so sweetly.
Friends and family may call at the E.F. Lassahn Funeral Home,P.A. 11750 Belair Road, Kingsville, MD on Friday, January 3rd from 3 until 5pm, and from 7 until 9pm. A funeral service will be celebrated at the Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren, 4800 Long Green Road in Glen Arm, on Saturday, January 4 at 11am, with visitation from 10 until 11am. Interment Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren www.lgvcob.org