Martha Jean Palmer's Obituary
Martha Jean Palmer 95 of Leesville Louisiana passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
A graveside service will be held at the Leesville Cemetery located on Hwy. 171 North at 11:00 am on Friday March 28, 2025 with Rev. Chris Blanchard officiating. Services are under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville.
Martha was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on July 7, 1929, to Freeman Andrew Darwin and Opal Anderson Darwin.
Martha's family moved to Leesville Louisiana in 1933 when she was four years old.
Leesville, Louisiana has remained her home since that time. She was a graduate of Leesville High School and remained a loyal Wampus Cat supporter.
Martha married Raywood Palmer in 1947 and raised her daughter Martha (Pud'n) and son Daniel J. Palmer.
Martha's life was one of giving and support to her community, church and parish. She was a member of First Methodist Church in Leesville. Martha was a founding member of the Louisiana Preservation Alliance now known as The Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation. The Louisiana Colonial Trails Association, where she was instrumental in having La. Hwy. 8 designated as part of the Historic Nolan Trace. She was a founder of the Vernon Parish Genealogical and Historical Association, as well as the Leesville Garden Club. Martha served for many years on the board of the Vernon Parish Tourism Commission where she and other community leaders worked to secure the donation of the former KCS Railroad Depot to serve as the Museum of West Louisiana.
Martha is survived by her Granddaughter Tiffany Lynch and partner Tim Palmer of Cypress Texas, grandson Michael Lynch of Watsonville, California, great granddaughter Paige Prejean of Cypress Texas, grandson Kristopher Alexander (Tammy Alexander) of Portland Oregon, granddaughter Ashley Palmer of Phoenix Arizona, great granddaughter Danielle Touvell of Phoenix, Arizona, great grandson Kristopher Jay Palmer Mabbitt of Phoenix Arizona, great grandson Nicholas Alexander of Portland Oregon, great grandson Steffan Green of Phoenix, Arizona, great- great granddaughters Emerson Hannah, Jacqueline Touvell, Octavia Amling of Phoenix, Arizona, great-great grandsons Eli Amling, Isaiah Amling and Jasper Amling of Phoenix, Arizona. Nieces and Nephews Susie Cooper (Tim), Ralph Sanders (Nancy), Gary Sanders, Andy Sanders (DeAnna), two great nieces and one great nephew, one great-great niece and six great-great nephews.
Martha was preceded in death by her Father Freeman A Darwin, Mother Opal Anderson Darwin, Husband Raymond J. Palmer, Daughter Martha (Pud'n) Waller, Son Daniel J. Pal and her Sister Dick Ellen Sanders.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Museum of West Louisiana.
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