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Obituary for Sheila Ann Christie Palmer
Creative, explorative, and independent, Sheila Palmer brought beauty and wonder into the world around her. She further touched many with her kindness, open heart, and servitude to others. Sheila was born in Long Beach, California on August 14, 1938, to parents Captain Gerald Louis Christie and Jeanne Foote Christie. Long Beach was just the beginning of her living in a multitude of cities, states and countries; all of which sparked her love for new places, experiences and cultures. By the time she graduated Coronado High School, she had attended twelve different schools. During her years abroad, Sheila discovered her talent for languages which led to her tutoring later in life. Her Spanish fluency from her time in Cartagena, Columbia was a particular talent she shared with others especially in teaching her grandchildren. Post Columbia, she went on to San Diego State for college where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. Being a Navy Junior, her next abroad opportunity was to join her parents stationed in Tokyo, Japan. She began modeling and quickly picked up basic Japanese which led to her hosting a television show teaching English, becoming a local celebrity in the process. She was further honored when chosen to be a member of the Japanese-United States Student Congress. It was during this time that she began dating the love of her life. Having met Jim just prior to departing for Japan, it was not long after that he sought her hand in marriage; they married and honeymooned in Japan. Sheila and Jim settled down in Jackson, MS and began raising a family. During this time, Sheila began engaging in all varieties of creative pursuits and excelled continually. Her gourmet dishes were coveted and her floral designs celebrated. Sheila loved nature and gardening. These passions fueled her long term devotion to Mynelle Gardens - serving as a Board Member for multiple years. The Garden Club of Jackson additionally shared her spark; she served as Photographic Chairman, Floral Design Chairman, Spring Garden Tour Chair and chaired two floral design shows. She won numerous awards in both photography and floral design. The club recently acknowledged all of her many contributions with a life-time creativity award in her name for future GCJ floral competitions. She also wrote and published a children’s book on butterflies, taught a large variety of cooking classes, concocted a delectable bread pudding dessert for Nick’s menu and, of course, who can forget the numerable cake decorating classes she taught at home. Most of all, Sheila was known by family, friends and acquaintances for her generous, loving heart and her genuine and honest spirit. If one was in need, she was there to help and always in a humble, quiet manner. She loved cooking for Meals on Wheels, bringing beauty to the church altar with floral arrangements, and helping anyone who asked with landscaping design- she was the first one to grab her shovel and go. Sheila is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jim Palmer, her daughters, Christie Schmitt (and husband Gregg of Dallas), and Margaret Palmer of Jackson; four grandchildren, who affectionately called her Nina and are forever thankful for all she taught them, Palmer and Alex Duckworth of Jackson and Kelsey and Ryan Schmitt of Dallas; two sisters, Dorothye Hattich of Lafayette, California and Donna Christie of Conway, Arkansas; and multiple beloved nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Sheila’s doctors, nurses, Barbara Brooks and her staff of caregivers, and Mae Willie McGee for their compassionate care and dedication. Visitation will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Monday, November 15 at 9:30 A.M. with a memorial service following at 11:00 A.M Private family inurnment will be held in the Columbarium at Covenant. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Garden Club of Jackson, Covenant Presbyterian Church, an animal rescue organization or any other charity of your choice.
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