Joyce (Hamilton) Palmer

Joyce (Hamilton) Palmer, 81, was a beautiful, fiery, smart, generous soul who always put family first. She was born March 29, 1944, in Shreveport, Louisiana to Ruth Lee Jefferson and Jim Jefferson. She passed away peacefully in her ocean view home on August 21, 2025. Growing up in rural Louisiana, Joyce found enjoyment in playing sports with the neighborhood kids, twirling the baton, and dancing in the high school marching band. In addition to attending music shows around town. In 1963, Joyce, accompanied by her infant daughter, a young Annette Palmer, took the long voyage by train of over 2,200 miles from Shreveport, Louisiana to Portland, Oregon. Soon after Joyce established herself in Portland, two new sons were born to the Palmer family, Ramsey and Lavell. As she came to call Portland home in the Albina area, she started working at Chase Bag Company, where she worked for 30 years. In the late 1990s/early 2000s, she again took another chance and decided to move to Newport, Oregon. There, she could enjoy the coastal weather and wide open Pacific Ocean. Upon arriving in Newport, she found a wonderful opportunity working with Newport Transit Center. The work involved picking up and transporting the senior community around town for various appointments and events. She made many friends and joined this community during this time. Joyce always enjoyed helping others and because of this love, she decided to become a caregiver, where she ended up retiring after 10 years of persistent work. However, even after retirement, it did not stop her from continuing to help with the senior community in Newport and the surrounding regions. Joyce loved the beach breeze and loved her music. Music filled her daily life! When you came to visit, you would always hear BB King playing in the background, as well as Bobby Blue Band, Aretha Franklin, and of course, the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. She also kept up with popular music, often blasting Pharrell and Mariah Carey. You could find her many times whipping it up in the kitchen while watching an old Western on the television. As well as joining family outings to the Casino, getting lucky in the slots, taking a flight to Paris, France, or hopping in the car for a road trip down the 101. She had an adventurous spirit and a kind and wonderful heart. She lived and loved life to the fullest and cared for her family. Her legacy will live on for generations to come, inspiring those around her with her kindheartedness, generosity, and unforgettable spirit. She was known as “Gramma Fresh,” the name given to her by her Grandson, Derrick Nash. She remains close to our hearts and will be dearly missed. Joyce was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Lee Jefferson, and her eldest daughter, Annette Palmer. She is survived by her sons, Ramsey Palmer, Lavell Palmer, daughter-in law, Sheila Palmer, son in-law Robin Rucker; grandson Derrick Nash, and granddaughters Alyssa and Tyra Rucker and Sandrisha Ganison. Viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m.to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Bateman Funeral Home, 915 NE Yaquina Heights Dr. Newport, OR 97365. Graveside services will immediately follow at the Eureka Cemetery, 1101 NE Yaquina Heights Dr. Newport, OR 97365. Pastor Bo Smith will officiate. Pallbearers will include Lavell Palmer, Robin Rucker, Ramsey Palmer, Antoine “Lamont” Morris and Justin King. A reception will follow at the Palmer residence following services.

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Joyce (Hamilton) Palmer

March 29, 1944 - August 21, 2025