Judy Elizabeth Jackson Palmer

Judy Elizabeth Jackson Palmer, age 69, of Elberton, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 13, 2022, at her residence while surrounded by the love of her family and close friends following a courageous seven month battle with cancer.

Judy was born in Marietta on May 10, 1953, the second of two girls of James Neal Jackson and Joan Alice Polk Jackson. The Jackson family relocated to Elberton in 1964 when Mr. Jackson gained employment with the City of Elberton, and Judy called Elberton home for the remainder of her life.
She was a 1971 graduate of Elbert County High School where she enjoyed being a majorette and a basketball cheerleader. Following graduation, Judy attended Valdosta State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She worked for the Georgia Department of Mental Health within the Valdosta School System. It was during this time that she realized her true passion was education. Judy quickly worked to obtain her education certification and taught at Beaverdam Elementary School briefly before going to work at Samuel Elbert Christian Academy. She taught at Madison County Middle School, retiring in 2018 after devoting the majority of her life to the education of middle grades children. Following retirement, Judy worked as a substitute teacher at Elbert County Middle School. Knowing the importance of Education, she always worked to be the best educator that she could be. As a result, she furthered her education by obtaining her master’s degree and specialist’s degree in middle grades education from Brenau University, and her doctoral degree in education administration from Georgia Southern University.

Judy was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Elberton. In her free time, she loved reading and trips to the beach. She always looked forward to her daily walks, and after retirement, loved planting low maintenance flowers. Judy was a lifelong lover of music who enjoyed playing the piano. Above all, she was a devoted mother to her children, Jenna and Jonathan, and supported them in all of their endeavors.

Survivors include her children: Jenna Elise Palmer and Jonathan Neal Palmer, both of Elberton; sister, Jamie and Jack Henderson of Bethlehem; and niece and nephew: James Henderson of Hoschton and Jacquelyn Lavendar of Winder. In addition, Judy leaves behind several close friends that she held near to her heart.

A Celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 18, at 4 o’clock in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Elberton with the Rev. Gary Purvis officiating.

The family will greet friends on Wednesday, May 18, from 3:00-3:45p.m. in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church of Elberton prior to the service. After the service, the family welcomes friends to the residence, 1400 Chanticleer Lane, for a time of fellowship and food.

The Petal Pusher Florist will handle all floral arrangements, and if desired, contributions may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 53 Perimeter Center E, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30346.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements Judy Elizabeth Jackson Palmer.