Jean Wade Palmer

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Palmer, who died on July 26,2025, at the age of 76 in Spartanburg, SC. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Born on August 30, 1948, in Charleston, WV, Jean was the daughter of Paul and Maxine Wade. She grew up in North Augusta, SC, graduated from North Augusta HS and the University of South Carolina, and entered the field of Early Childhood Education, which would be her great skill and her “calling”. In November 1968, she met then-Lieutenant Gerald Palmer and in November 1969, they were married. Three weeks after the wedding, Gerald deployed to Viet Nam for a one-year tour while Jean completed her degree and began her first teaching job. Over the next 29 years, Jean would accompany Jerry to many locations as he pursued a career as an Army officer. While assigned to Fort Bragg, NC, their daughter, Heather, was born and later, in Okinawa, Japan, their son, Jonathan, was born. The family became a very close-knit one through the many moves required by military service. After retirement from the Army, Jean and Jerry moved to Spartanburg, SC, in 2000, where Jean would teach 4-K at the Advent Children’s Center until 2013. Always active in churches, Jean became very involved in the activities at Bethel United Methodist Church where she served as Worship Committee chair, Altar Guild chair, Circle President, Robe coordinator for Choir, and Choir member. When Jean and Jerry moved their membership to First Presbyterian Church, Spartanburg, in 2019, Jean once again involved herself in the service activities of the church. She was particularly active with Winter Warmth, JOY Fellowship, Neighborhood Meals, CAST, Tickled Pink, and Wednesdays at First. In January 2023, she was ordained as a Deacon in the Presbyterian Church, a position for which she felt both humbled and honored.

Jean was known for her love of serving in whatever way she could and for her genuine kindness. In her family, she was the one who always knew just what gift to get and just what advice to give and just when to make contact. As an Army wife, she took a leadership role even when it was uncomfortable and coordinated wives’ organizations during the times that Jerry was privileged to be in a command position. It was when the units were deployed for either training or an operation that the Support Group, led by the Commander’s wife, was so very important. In family, the Army, while teaching, and while serving in many other roles, Jean touched the lives of many; likely many more than she would ever know.

Jean is survived by her husband, Jerry, her daughter, Heather (Brian), son Jonathan (Tabitha), and grandchildren whom she idolized, Elizabeth Jean (20), Palmer (18), and Evan (13).

Visitation will be 9:30-10:45 AM on Friday, August 1, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, Spartanburg, SC. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CAST, Hand in Hand, or Winter Warmth, all ministries of First Presbyterian Church, Spartanburg, in Jean’s memory.

“Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works be praised at the city gate.” Proverbs 31: 30-31 (NIV)