On Sunday, July 23, 2023, God, in His infinite wisdom, called home our beloved Shirley A. Palmer. “Nanny,” as she was affectionately called, life began on June 4, 1945, to the late Louise and Walter James of James City County, Virginia.
At an early age, Shirley confessed Christ as her personal Savior and became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Croaker, VA. She served in the senior choir and the missionary choir at Shiloh for many years. Nanny also fellowship with Zion Baptist Church.
On June 25, 1994, She was joined in Holy Matrimony to the late George Palmer.
Shirley attended the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools. Nanny worked for and retired from the Williamsburg Pottery. She was a devoted and loving caregiver to her beloved son, husband, and grandchildren. As the matriarch of the family, Nanny was not just a caregiver; she was a constant source of love and comfort. She had a deep affection for her plants, enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, and cherished the company of her family.
She is also preceded in death by her sons, Richard Parrott Jr. and Bruce James; five sisters and four brothers.
Nanny will forever be remembered and cherished in the hearts of her daughters, Lisa Parrott, Vanessa Taylor, Tanesha Ward (Gregory), and Shameika Jones (Daryl); her grandchildren, Dominque Oaks, Nathaniel Oakes, Troy Jones Jr. (April), Marlon Oaks (Palmeira), and Gene Taylor Jr; godson, Antonio James (Makayla); a special devoted niece, Malinda Cooke (Eric); and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.
A funeral service to celebrate Nanny’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, July 31, 2023, at Whiting’s Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects and share their memories during this time. Mrs. Palmer may be viewed on Monday from 2:00 p.m. until the hour of her service in the funeral home. Following the service, family and friends are welcome to a repast at Shirley Palmer’s residence, 287 Barlow Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188
