I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
HelenLowrieMarshall
Roberta D. Palmer, age 92, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on June 19, 1933, in Sparta, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Lena Laughlin and Edward Dixon. Lena married Percy Barbour, who became a devoted father figure to Roberta.
Roberta received her early education at Young Street School in Atlanta and graduated from David T. Howard High School, Class of 1951. She continued her studies at Clark College.
Her professional journey reflected her trailblazing spirit. She began working as a ticket taker at Bailey’s Royal Theater, a landmark in Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn District that served the African-American community during segregation. She later made history as the first Black phone operator at Southern Bell. Roberta went on to build a long and successful career at the United States Postal Service, where she worked for 27 years until her retirement in 1992.
On February 18, 1953, Roberta married her high school sweetheart, Charles Augustus Palmer. They shared a loving marriage until his passing on June 3, 2000. Together, they raised four children: Roderick, Charles Allen, Elliott, Sr., and Carol. In addition, they lovingly raised three granddaughters: Erica, Shantori, and Chatira.
Roberta had a zest for life and a heart full of generosity. She enjoyed playing the Georgia Lottery, dining at new restaurants, spending time with family and friends, and more recently looking at photos on her beloved “book.” A proud member of the Magnificent Ladies Social Club, she found joy in fellowship and helping those in need.
Roberta and Charles were among the first Black families to own property at Lake Lanier, where they created lasting memories with loved ones, water skiing, playing Bid Whist, and welcoming everyone with her signature hospitality. She was known to say, “Make yourself at home”.
Roberta’s legacy lives on in the warmth she shared, the kindness she gave, and the unforgettable memories she created. She lived a life marked by grace, strength, and unwavering love for her family and community.
Roberta was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Lena; father, Percy; husband, Charles; daughter, Carol; sons, Rod and Elliott Sr.; aunt, Cary Gentry, cousins, Evelyn Andrews, Savannah Williams, Addison Williams Sr., and Best Buddy, Carolyn McLemore.
She leaves behind a deeply loving and expansive family, including her son, Charles Allen Palmer; granddaughters/bonus children, Erica Palmer Dobbs (Bruce), Shantori Palmer Hill (Darren) and Chatira Giles; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Palmer; grandchildren, Elliott Jr. (Jasmine), Dawonna, Dionna, Amanda, Carol Alexis, Atia, Robyn, Ravyn, Ashley, Solomon, Ananda, Wade Sr., Kivi, Raleigh, Creed, Malachi, Amirah, Amir, Wade Jr., Miranda, Taurean, Kynnedi, Shakira, Aaliyah, Jerrico, Mekhi, Gabrielle, Malaysia, Selizabeth, Eldrin and Kasey.
She also cherished her bonus daughter, Charlestine Palmer Lee; sisters-in-law, Demetrius Dean and Michelle Lockhart; brother-in-law, Aaron Palmer (Monique); honorary son, Ricky Hall; goddaughter, Ellene Whimby; and a dear friend, Mary Williams.
Roberta leaves behind a multitude of cherished family and friends who will continue to honor her legacy. If any names were missed, please forgive us, let it be a lapse of memory, not of love.
Prelude……………………………………………….…………….Soft Music
Processional…………...………….Clergy, Family & Friends
Scripture Reading……………………………………………..Clergy
Old Testament
New Testament
Prayer of Comfort...…. Rev. Anthony A. W. Motley
Musical Selection…………………….....Micaela Copeland
Loving Tributes
1st Generation……………Charles Allen Palmer
2nd Generation ………...…………….Chatira Giles
3rd Generation …………..……..... Atia Williams
Reflections (2 Minutes Please)....Family and Friends
Musical Selection.......................... Micaela Copeland
Eulogy……………..………………... Rev. Reginald Wilborn
Acknowledgements...........Willie A. Watkins Staff
Recessional
Musical Postlude
Tomekia Bullock-Carter
Dr. Ashley Dobbs
DeLisa Jackson
LeQuesa Lowe
Alana-Michelle McLemore
Jasmine Pickett
Dr. Samara Rivers
Jennifer Rudolph
Wade Barnes Sr.
Mical Boozer
William Boozer
Wesley Clement
Solomon Dobbs
Darren Hill
Victor McLemore
Elliott Palmer, Jr.
To our family and friends, words cannot adequately express our gratitude for the love and kindness shown to us during this difficult time. Every prayer, visit, phone call, flower, meal and any other act of kindness shown during this time has made the dawn come quicker, the burdens seem lighter, and the cross more like a crown. We would like to extend a special thank you to Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home and Lindsay Street Baptist Church for your service and hospitality as we celebrate our matriarch.
The Family of Roberta Dixon Palmer
