Ellen Whitley Palmer, 81, of Wilmington passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at Liberty Commons in Wilmington.

She was born May 9, 1934 in Wilmington, the daughter of the late Fred O. Whitley Sr. and Ida Mae Foreman Whitley. Ellen was also preceded in death by sister, Carolyn Johnson and brother Fred "Sonny" Whitley, Jr.

She was the beloved wife of Joseph Palmer for 64 years. She is also survived by daughters Lesia Palmer Heltzel and husband Rick and Brenda Palmer St. Pierre and husband David; grandchildren, Amanda St. Pierre Diggs and husband, Brandon, and David Keith St. Pierre and Kyleigh Piner; great grandchildren, Braydon and Jase Diggs, Kynleigh and Adaleigh Kaylen St. Pierre; sisters, Betty Wood, Connie Averette and husband Wayne, Sue Estep and husband Tommy; and many extended family and friends.

To the world she was just one, but to her family she was the only one. She forever molded our lives with new character and love of family and life. She taught us what the real pleasures of life and living are. We loved her dearly. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and sister who will forever be missed, but never forgotten. We can take comfort in knowing that she is with the Lord.

Graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 18, 2016 at Oakdale Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Nichols officiating.

Following the graveside service visitation will be at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to NC Boys and Girls Home, PO Box 127 Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450 or The Good Shepherd Center, 811 Martin St, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Share a Memory" above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Bradley Creek Chapel, Wilmington.