Mrs. Mary Joanne Palmer

The journey began in Lakeland, Georgia on January 22, 1946 when Mary Joanne Owens was born. On Friday, June 5, 2026 at 3:43 PM, Mary Joanne Palmer received her wings of glory.She attended Queen of Peace Catholic Parish School in Lakeland, GA. Mary Joanne was a very easy going and kind-hearted person. Later on, at the age of 11, the family moved to Newark, New Jersey to be with other family members where she resided for many years. During that time, she attended St. james Catholic School. Upon graduation, she gained employment with New Jersey Bell Telephone Company and New Jersey College of Medicine & Dentistry. While at New Jersey Bell, Mary Joanne attended Essex Secretarial School.During her free time, she enjoyed taking bus excursions to points of interest in nearby states and Canada. Mary Joanne also enjoyed a Broadway show or two when the opportunity was presented.Mary Joanne met Mister Sam palmer through one of her co-workers. This co-worker was Mister Sam's sister-in-law, who was married to his brother, James in Newark. After the marriage ceremony in Newark, they relocated to Miami, FL to start a new chapter in their lives together. Mary continued her education at Miami-Dade College, earning an Associate of Science degree. In September of 1983, they welcomed a son, Loren, which was her life pride and joy.During her professional career, she was employed by Eastern, National, and Pan Am Airlines. She retired from Space Coast Credit Union after 10 years of service. Mary Joanne and Mister Sam were married for 55 years.Mary Joanne Palmer has been a faithful and dedicated member of the Continental Societies, Inc., Greater Miami Chapter since 2001. Throughout her 25 years of service, she held vital leadership roles, including 2nd Vice-President, Recording Secretary, and Historian. Known for her deep devotion to her Continental Sisters, Mary also served as Chair of every Health, Education, Employment and Recreation (HEER) plus Arts & Humanities committee over time and became the chapter's trusted go-to editor for reviewing HEER reports prior to submission.After a long and successful career in the airline and financial industries, Mary Joanne channeled her energy into uplifting youth in the South Miami-Dade community through her work with the Continental Societies, Inc. She worked tirelessly across numerous literacy and outreach initiatives, including the Scrabble Club, Real Men Read, the African American Read-In, the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures van, and Read Across America, while also delivering pajamas to children in need and representing the organization at countless community events.In recognition of her unwavering commitment, Mary Joanne was proudly honored as the chapter's Continental Sister of the Year 2013.She was an excellent baker that loved to "Bless" family and friends with her scrumptious, moist cakes. She was famous for her 7-Up pound cake, which was requested most often. She was a loving wife, mother, and friend. May she rest in eternal peace.