Sarah Green Palmer

Catawba, NC

Mrs. Sarah Green Palmer, Catawba, N.C., died Monday, Aug. 8, 2011, at her home surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the daughter of the late Charles Kenyon and Nobia Joe Sewell Green. Her sister, Martha Ruth Green, and brother, Joseph Landon Green, preceded her in death.

Professor emeriti of the University of Montevallo in Alabama, Mrs. Palmer taught for over 50 years at Auburn University and Chilton County High School in Alabama in addition to the University of Montevallo.

A graduate of Piedmont College in Demorest, Ga., and Auburn University, Mrs. Palmer was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and Sigma Tau Delta, the English honorary. In 1983, she was one of the two first recipients of the Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award given by the Alumni Association of the University of Montevallo. She was also the first recipient of the award for outstanding contribution to the scholarly achievement of women given by Lambda Sigma Pi, senior honorary for women. College Night, the traditional university of Montevallo Homecoming presentation, was dedicated to her in 1978, as well as Elite Night in 1988. A member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Montevallo, she worshipped at and was served by The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Newton, N.C., after she moved to North Carolina in 2000.

Mrs. Palmer is survived by daughter Martha Williams (Phillip) of Catawba, N.C.; granddaughter Nobia Summer (Ken) of Claremont, N.C.; and grandson Stan Williams (Amber) of Taylorsville, NC. She is also survived by great-grandchildren Andrew Vernon and Sophia Williams, as well as sister-in-law Mattie Atchison (Hank) of Selma; niece Janis Rogan (Fred) of Birmingham; nephew Allen Green (Martha) of Stanton; great-nephew Landon Rogan; and great-nieces Mary Laura and Sara Rogan. Also left to treasure her memory is a host of wonderful colleagues, friends and former students.

Rather than flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sarah G. Palmer Adult Returning Student Scholarship at the University of Montevallo, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Montevallo, The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, Newton, NC, or to Palliative Care and Hospice of Catawba Valley, Newton, N.C. The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the loving care that was given to their mother by the Hospice staff, including Hannah, Noelle, Larissa, Denise, Aleena and so many others, and also to the home communion ministry of Epiphany Church.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, 2011, at Jenkins Funeral Home on Startown Road in Newton, NC, with the Reverend Beth Lilly officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. For those unable to attend, please read a book, visit a museum or listen to classical music in memory of Sarah.

Please sign the online guestbook at JenkinsFuneralHome.net. The Palmer family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Newton.