Joyce E. Palmer

Joyce Elaine Palmer, 67, died Thursday, July 25, 2024 surrounded in love. Called Joy by her family and friends, the nickname was fitting as it informed her outlook on life. She found joy in all the small things - in dancing to Bruno Mars with her granddaughter, in fishing with her sons, and most importantly in the life she built with her beloved husband. 

Born on September 27, 1956 in Louisville, Kentucky to Mary Barnes Portman and Carl Portman, she shared her childhood with her brothers, Michael and William, and her sister Theresa Jane. Together, they traversed the adversity of life and were more than siblings, they were friends.

In April 1981, Joyce married Bruce Palmer and over the next forty-three years, they would raise two sons, care for three foster children, and spoil two grandchildren. Bruce and Joyce saw each other through career changes, chronic illness, and the normal triumphs and challenges of a well-lived life, and did so with laughter and love.

An avid lover of dogs, she adopted and cherished many over her lifetime, including Dodi, Bailey, Jasper, Clyde, and Bella. 

She is survived by her husband, Bruce Palmer, and their two sons: Scott Palmer (Samantha Temple) and Michael Palmer; two grandchildren: Aubrey Palmer and Wyatt Palmer; one fur-grandchild: Lydia; two bonus grandchildren; Mackenzie and CJ; siblings: Michael Portman (Susan) and Theresa Jane Leist (John); bonus family: Bill Palmer (Jonetta), Gale Palmer Crowe, Gwen Spears (Tom), and Bob Palmer. She is preceded in death by her mother Mary Barnes Portman Mobley, step-father Perry Mobley, father Carl Portman, brother William Portman, and brother-in-law Barry Palmer. Joyce will be missed by her many nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends. 

Her celebration of life will be held on at Thursday, August 1 at 4 PM to 8 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home (10304 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY 40272). In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in her memory to Camp Hendon Kentucky Diabetes Camp for Children (www.camphendon.org), KY-SPIN (www.kyspin.org), or the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org). When the time is right, she will rest where she honeymooned, Niagara Falls. 

Goodnight, Joy. Rest in peace and know you were loved.

The family requests that contributions in Joyce’s memory be made to The Kidney Foundation. 

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