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Carletha Ransome "Ran" Palmer, a retired educator, departed this life on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 in Sentara Regional Medical Center in Williamsburg, Virginia ten days before her 90th birthday. Her life began on November 30, 1922. A native of Crew, Virginia, Carletha, was one of nine children born to the late Leola Mae and David James Ransome.
Growing up in Crew, Carletha Ransome attended Blue Stone High School in Keysville. She attended Virginia Union University in Richmond, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English and education. She was awarded a master's degree in education by Columbia University in New York City.
Mrs. Palmer enjoyed a distinguished career in education as an employee of the Williamsburg-James City County school system. She taught English for 30 years which included teaching assignments at Bruton Heights (prior to the integration of the public schools) and James Blair (post integration). She ultimately left her English classroom to become a visiting teacher, serving the district in that capacity for eleven years. After 41 years of dedicated service to the students and their families of this community, Mrs. Palmer retired in 1980. Cognizant of the personal and societal benefits of a quality education, she remained steadfast in her commitment to ensure that all children received a quality education until she died.
When she settled in Williamsburg, Mrs. Palmer joined First Baptist Church of Williamsburg. She was a faithful member until illness forced her to reduce her involvement in church activities. In addition, Mrs. Palmer was actively involved in several community organizations including the 4H Club, Le Cercle Charmant, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Carletha Ransome married Shade Joseph Palmer of Hallsboro, North Carolina on January 2, 1965. Ran and Shade shared 47 wonderful years together. Ran's hobbies included bowling, dancing, entertaining, playing cards (Pinochle), playing the piano, reading, and traveling with her husband and friends.
She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life: her beloved husband, Shade J. Palmer; her brother, David Ransome, Baltimore, MD; three sisters in law, Bessie Ransome, Burkeville, VA, Shirley Ransome, Baltimore, MD and Titia Boone, Hallsboro, NC; and a host of loving nieces, nephews and friends.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm, Monday, November 26 at First Baptist Church at 727 Scotland St., Williamsburg. The home going service will be at 1 pm on Tuesday, November 27 also at First Baptist Church with visitation one hour prior. Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, VA. 23188, (757)229-3011.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mildred Christian
November 29, 2012
Ms. Palmer was an excellent educator at BHS. I learned a great deal from her as a student. She was always dressed to the "T" and always had her nails looking great.
Having been an educator myself for 39 years , I was often ask by my students why I talked so proper and my answer would be because I was taught the right way.
Ms. Palmer was a stickler for the proper usage of the english language.
May she be blessed and rest in peace. You are in my prayers Mr. Palmer.
BHS Class of 65
Nat Reid
November 26, 2012
A dedicated educator such as Mrs. Palmer will sorely be missed. I remember those days at Bruton Heights and James Blair where Mrs. Palmer (a quiet but serious lady) made english interesting and rewarding. May the God of love give the Palmer family comfort.
Darlene Harris
November 26, 2012
I grew up First Baptist Church and knew Mrs. Palmer my entire life. She was a lovely, kind, and supportive person. Mrs. Palmer always showed such interest in the youth activities and even our activities outside of the church. She was a true blessing to all who had the honor to spend time with her.
Marcia Bowman-Huff
November 25, 2012
When I think of Mrs. Palmer,my English Teacher from Bruton Heights High School, I say-Thank you for those special Memories. Rest in peace.
Donald Moore
November 25, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers to the Palmer family.
With love and sympathy,
Lyman Hall & Debbi Foley Hall
(Students, James Blair High School)
November 25, 2012
Ransome/Palmer Family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of a great teacher. Mrs. Palmer was truly an outstanding educator. She gave us, as students, a love for english classes, reading writings by outstanding authors and reciting poetry. She will be remembered by all who had the opportunity to be taught by her at BHS.
Shirley Washington Thompson
Bloomfield, CT
November 25, 2012
Shade, how sad I am that lovely "Ran" has left us. She was such a special lady in so many ways: warm smile and soft laughter, quiet wittiness - just charming - impressing young girls (and us "oldies") in the grace and feminine role she led in the (our) sorority and in the community. We shall grieve her death - but, oh, we have those memories that will live on: the fun times, the conversations, social events, and the like. We pray that God's love and peace will surround you especially at this sorrowful time and that God will grant her a sweet repose in his kingdom. We love you !
Juanita (Dillard) Taylor
November 25, 2012
Shade, please accept my deepest sympathies. Carletha was a lovely person amd we are all fortunate to have had her in our lives.
Elise Emanuel
November 25, 2012
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Mike & Liz Ripley
November 24, 2012
Shade, I am so sorry to learn that Carletha has passed. She was a wonderful lady and a first class educator. Always had a smile and never had a complaint. I know she will be missed by you and everybody who crossed her path professionally and personally. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you grieve your loss. Joe Grebb
November 24, 2012
when she came to BHS,this tiny little lady and so young,i knew her middle name had to be "dedicated" because she cared so much about you getting every thing she taught and loved-Beowolf,Silas Marner,her love for her craft was so visible it rubbed off on you.i recently reread some of those impossibly hard stories she wanted us to partake of and really enjoyed her ambitous program for us Brutonians.rest in peace,Ms Ran and thank you for your many years of the love of english and all things that would enlighten us and your sharing your love with us.
quoVadis & john wright
November 24, 2012
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Whiting's Funeral Home - Williamsburg7005 Pocahontas Trail P.O. Box HB, Williamsburg, VA 23185
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