Sandra Palmer

Sandra "Sandy" Holliday Palmer passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025 at the age of 77. Her legacy of love and faith blessed the lives of all who knew her.

Born on December 14, 1947, in Jackson, Mississippi, Sandy was the daughter of Billy and Mary Alice Holliday. She found the love of her life early when she met Jackson Wheatley Palmer. In 1968, they got married at a simple courthouse ceremony. Their 57-year bond stands as a testament to enduring love and partnership.

In her early 20's, Sandy started work as a scrub tech assisting with surgeries at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. When Jack's Navy service shipped the young family to California, Sandy continued scrubbing on operations while raising their first son, Matthew. This was an intense and busy time that provided her with countless stories she loved to tell. One of her favorites would end with her smiling as she pronounced, "You have to give the doctor what he needs, not what he asks for." This philosophy encapsulated her knack for often knowing what you needed before you knew it yourself. Her well-worn stories from this and other periods were always a comfort to listen to, even when you could recite the punchline by heart. Her stories would grow and take on new meaning as time passed.

Jack and Sandy eventually moved their family back home to Mississippi. With the birth of Owen and Susan, she devoted herself to full-time motherhood. Once the kids became settled in the routine of school, her own ambitions called to her. She decided to pursue her college degree. In 1990 at the age of 42 after several years of perseverance, she proudly walked the stage of Mississippi College to accept her bachelor's in Interior Design.

While she initially tried her hand at the interior design business, Sandy discovered a more meaningful use for her art degree. In rural Mississippi classrooms, she began first as a sub and then as a full-time teacher spreading the joy of art to elementary and middle schoolers. Her impact was immeasurable. Students would go out of their way to give Mrs. Palmer a hug in the hallway and shower her with gifts around the holidays. This was all a reflection of the warmth and inspiration she brought to their lives every day during the school year. She continued this beloved work until her retirement in 2014.

Sandy's faith was central to her life. As an active member of the Methodist church, she could be found most Sunday mornings harmonizing in the alto section of the choir. After church, delicious homemade meals brought joy to her family and friends. This became more involved as friends asked for her food for special occasions. She regularly volunteered to make custom desserts for weddings and church events. Cooking for others became her ministry. Sharing her recipes and the stories behind them was her way of sharing her faith.

She spoke often of her beloved mother Mary Alice "Mammaw" Holliday, whose passing was difficult on Sandy. Sandy's father Billy Holliday and her brother Ernest Holliday both preceded her in death.

Sandy's loving spirit lives on in her devoted husband of 57 years, Jack Palmer; her children Matthew Palmer, Owen (Maynell) Palmer, and Susan (Eric) Crawford; and her cherished grandchildren Sophia Palmer, Cole Palmer, Lena Palmer, James Crawford, and Sarah Crawford. Each of them carries forward her legacy of love, creativity, and faith.

Sandy Palmer lived a life committed to family, students, and her faith. As those who were close to her can bear witness to, her spiritual gift was gift-giving: knowing not just what you asked for, but what you needed.

Sandy's memorial service will be Saturday, August 9th at 11 am at The United Church at Chapel on the Hill, 85 Kentucky Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Susannah's House in Knoxville, TN (www.susannahshouse.org).

You are encouraged to share a memory of Sandy and/or your personal condolences with her family by visiting her memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service of Oak Ridge, TN.