Joyce E. Palmer's Obituary
Joyce Elizabeth Palmer was born on February 1, 1938, in Manhattan, NY. She was the daughter of Olga and John Edwards who were originally from Grenada W.I. Joyce was 7 minutes older than her twin brother George Reginald Edwards, who preceded her in death. Joyce also had two older sisters Janis Edwards and Dolores Veronica Edwards Lewer who also preceded her in death. Joyce transitioned and left her earthly body on February 9, 2023. Joyce attended Baruch College and Queensborough Community College and received a degree in accounting.
Joyce started her work career at NY Telephone Company and later joined American Airlines in 1968. It was a perfect match because Joyce loved global travel. When the opportunity arose Joyce transferred to Tulsa, with the accounting department and traveled extensively with her daughter Joi from the Caribbean to various cities in Europe. She met her future husband of 34 years, Herschel Palmer, also an American Airlines employee, through her beautician-his daughter.
Joyce retired from American Airlines after 25 years of service as the executive writer for the VP of accounting and continued to pursue various interests. Joyce was a real estate agent and sold houses throughout the Tulsa region and encouraged many others to purchase homes and or become a part of the real estate industry. Joyce mentored many along her journey and took great pride in helping others.
Joyce was adamant about one having good credit and continued to help others by volunteering and teaching classes at Dress for Success Tulsa on credit repair because she understood the power of home ownership and asset building. As a result, Joyce also purchased multiple properties in Tulsa and Eufaula.
Joyce’s hobbies included fishing, knitting, travel and playing WORDSCAPES (brilliance level 24427) . However, many met Joyce at the craft shows throughout Tulsa where she sold jewelry, men's ties, scarves and bows and continued to forge lasting relationships. Another passion project for Joyce was her involvement as the Director of the Miss Black Tulsa pageant. In this space, she influenced young black women sharing her wisdom and knowledge to help guide them on their journey. Joyce loved meeting people and never met a stranger, she could find a friend in anyone. Joyce’s residence in Las Vegas was brief but while there she enjoyed her weekly dinners out and late nights playing penny machines at the casino.
Joyce is survived by her only child Joi Sheila Mathlin Gordon (Errol Gordon); grandchildren-Malaysia McClure (Lawrence McClure), Joshua Palmer (LaNeicia Palmer), Sydney Gordon, Nicholas Gordon and Julia Jenkins; bonus grandchildren Eric Hollis Jr., Rashad Hollis and Mi’Yonna Royal; great grandchildren- Lanaii, Emerie, Eliana, Ja‘Nessa, Eleanor and Jas’Marie; nieces-Dr. Sheila Marie Aird (Michael Williams), Lisa Edwards, Judy Edwards, and nephews Philip Lewer (Karolina Lewer) and George Edwards; Great nieces- Nicole Watkins (Jason Watkins), Tasha Campbell (Malik Campbell), Jessica Booze, Emma Lewer and great nephew Julian Clemons and great grand nieces and nephews.
If anyone asked Joyce what was her greatest accomplishment- she would always say Joi and that Joi was her best friend. Joyce was loved by many and she will be dearly missed by family and friends as we remember the incredible light that she brought into every life she touched.
Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Joyce E. Palmer have been faithfully entrusted to Floral Haven Funeral Home and Crematory, which is located at 6500 South 129th East Ave., Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012 and can be reached at (918)-252-2518.
What’s your fondest memory of Joyce?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joyce?
Share a story where Joyce's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joyce you’ll never forget.
How did Joyce make you smile?
