Martha Ann Palmer, 82
March 24, 1943 – January 4, 2026
Martha Ann Palmer was called home to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the age of 82. She was born on March 24, 1943, in Bolivar, Tennessee. She was known to all by her glowing smile and her warm, friendly nature. Ann never met a stranger and was never at a loss for words—in fact, she was an extrovert of the highest order.
All who knew her as a friend called her Ann. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, full of life and always smiling and laughing. She was known for her beauty, both within and without. To many, Ann was a great encourager, trusted confidante, and someone people turned to for advice and a sympathetic, listening ear.
Ann was a master chef to all who were blessed enough to experience her cooking. Cooking was truly a labor of love and one of the sweetest ways she showed care for others. Nothing pleased her more than seeing folks enjoy her food. Many times, she welcomed the lonely and the less fortunate to her table, offering not only nourishment, but compassion and love. She had the gift of gab, making others feel seen, welcomed, and safe.
For many years, Ann owned a successful business and proudly served Union County what many still consider the best homemade tenderloin and buttermilk biscuits they ever had.
Though she was petite in stature, Ann’s heart and spirit were huge. Her love for her family knew no bounds. She would have fought a bear for her children; in fact, she once challenged the Army and a state senator when she felt her oldest had been unfairly slighted and guess who won? It wasn’t the Army or the Senator. Her fierce protection and love extended even beyond her own children. Ann became a mother to many kids who passed through her home, offering love, safety, and acceptance to those who needed it most, and filling a place in their lives where love had been absent. She was always an advocate for the underdog.
She kissed away childhood hurts, nurtured and encouraged her children and grandchildren, and cherished them in the loving home she created. “Mother” was her most treasured title.
Ann was just 17 years old when she married her true love, Ronald. He was a considerable amount older than her when they met, so Ann being Ann, took precautions and made him carry not only her out on dates, but also all of her younger siblings! Ronald certainly met his match in her fit she was quite a firecracker. Their love stood the test of time and they shared nearly 65 years of marriage.
She loved the Lord and her family and spent countless hours singing songs over them as she rocked babies, prepared meals, and lived out her faith through love and service to others.
Ann is survived by her children: Ronnie Palmer (Kyong-Tan), Richard Palmer (Candi), and Melissa Palmer Dunnam; her brother, Lawrence Hurst; along with her beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family.
She is now joyfully reunited in the presence of the Lord with her husband, Ronald Liddell Palmer; her son, Ricky Liddell Palmer; and her son-in-law, Bryan Dunnam.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie and Joe Hurst; her brother, Sammy Hurst; and her sisters, Barbara Bartholomew, Durrell Jordan and Margaret Long.
Services honoring the life of Ann Palmer will be held Tuesday, January 6, at Center Baptist Church, with visitation from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and the service to follow at 2:00 PM. Bro. Jared Busby will officiate.
Pallbearers will be her much loved grandsons and great grandsons: Chris Palmer, Adam Palmer, Sam Palmer, Joe Palmer, Tyler Palmer, Camden Palmer, and Isaiah Sheffield.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Tuesday
January 6, 2026
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Center Baptist Church
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Funeral Service
Tuesday
January 6, 2026
2:00 PM
Center Baptist Church
