Dorothy Palmer, a cherished matriarch and beloved friend to many, passed away on October 6, 2026, after a brief illness. Born on February 23, 1930,in Union County, South Carolina, Dorothy was the daughter of Deacon James A. Garfield Jones and Deaconess Viola Mills Jones. She was the heart and soul of her family, known for her quick wit, infectious smile, and the warmth that radiated from her presence.

Dorothy married the love of her life, Ether L. Palmer, on January 29, 1950. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and five wonderful children, during their 28 years of marriage. Though Ether predeceased her, their enduring love set a strong foundation for the family they nurtured together.

She dedicated her professional life to caring for others. She worked as a nurse's aide at Baltimore City Hospital before transitioning to a role as a social worker aide for the Baltimore City Department of Social Services. In 1980, she found her true calling as a day care provider, a role she embraced until her retirement in 2013. Her nurturing spirit left a lasting impact on countless children and families.

As a devoted member of St. Veronica’s Catholic Church, she was a loyal disciple of the Women’s club. Dorothy was deeply committed to her faith. Her love for cooking, reading her Bible, and enjoying word puzzles were just a few of her cherished pastimes. Sunday dinners at Dorothy's home were a beloved family tradition, where her welcoming nature made everyone feel at home. She was truly the matriarch of her family, extending her love and care to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and beyond.

Her family was her greatest joy. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Ether Lee and her son Walter Lee. She is survived by her children, Alvin Curtis, Sandra Vanessa Johnson, Michael Angelo (Audrey), Ronald Aaron, Darius Macer-Palmer, and her bonus daughter, Vivian Johnson. Her legacy continues through her nine grandchildren, Nickia Fulton (Myron), Keshena Johnson, Roshina Thomas, Amirah Palmer, Darien Palmer (Cheresse), Marcus Johnson, Alvin Palmer Jr., Briana Palmer, and her great-grandchildren, Courtney Massey, Arieana Handy, Jerri Hubbard, Jordan Marshall (Indira), Shamaree Johnson, Ashton Palmer, Austin Johnson, and Miracle Palmer.She is also survived by a host of great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, one brother, Clarence Jones (Brenda), Duncanville, Texas; one sister, Mary Jones Jackson (Woodrow), Stafford, Virginia; other relatives, and friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents Garfield and Viola; her siblings; Helen Jones Young, Paul Jones, Edward Jones, and Ruby Ballenger. Despite the absence of these loved ones, Dorothy's spirit and wisdom continue to touch the lives of those she left behind.