Mrs. Carolyn Elaine Carter Palmer

Carolyn Elaine (Carter) Palmer was born on June 25, 1952, to the late Ruth (McNeil) Carter and the late Candy Carter of Houston, Texas. Carolyn’s informal education would begin at home under the tutelage of her parents, aunts and uncles. At an early age, Carolyn became a member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, under the pastorship of the late Rev. C. G. Wilkins.

A strong foundation rooted in faith, discipline and hard work, Carolyn would exceed and excel at Piney Point Elementary and R. G. Lockett Jr. High. As she continued with her educational endeavors, it became increasingly evident that Carolyn had a knack for numbers. Her skilled talent in mathematics, budgeting and numerical data, paved the way for her long lasting career in finance. Upon graduating from Robert E. Lee High School, Carolyn was offered a job as a bookkeeper with Sakowitz Department Stores in 1972. Originally placed at the Downtown Houston location at Main and Dallas, Carolyn would eventually transfer to the Sakowitz location at Westheimer and Post Oak until 1984.

During her tenure with the department store chain, Carolyn had two children. Tamela Palmer, born September 12, 1974 and James Palmer, born April 22,1976. During the 70’s and 80’s, while working and raising her children, Carolyn also cared for her brother, sisters and first cousins as well. She took this added responsibility very seriously as the eldest sister and first cousin. Her discipline, tenacity and strong will are testaments to her dedication to family and her instinctive nature to protect and watch over them.

In 1986, Carolyn was hired as an accountant with the Houston Health Department Bureau of Vital Statistics. She remained employed with the city until her retirement in 2018. Carolyn was an exceptional cook and her family would always look forward to Sunday dinners and major holiday celebrations, such as Thanksgiving, that featured her homemade cornbread and sausage dressing. In her free time, Carolyn would host family get-togethers filled with food, fun, laughter and playing different games like Spades and Dominos. Also, on occasion, there was a little dance performance by the kids that were included.

After 71 years of life, the Lord called Carolyn Palmer home on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

Preceding Carolyn in death are her parents, Ruth Louise (McNeil) Carter and Candy Carter. Her grandson, Solomon Palmer. Her brother, Joel “Tyrone” Carter and her sisters, Candy Carter, Debra (Edwards) Carter and Vanessa Carter.