Carolyn Janet McLean Palmer

Carolyn Janet McLean Palmer, age 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at North Fulton Hospital in Roswell, GA. She was born April 2, 1937, in Eldoret, Kenya, to William and Agnes (Clark) Wilson. After her father passed away, Carolyn, her mother and her older brother, Alistair returned to Prestwick, Scotland where she lived until she met a strapping young Air Force pilot named Neil Palmer. After a six month whirlwind courtship, the young couple married and Neil brought his bride home to the United States. The Air Force stationed them in various locations including Wichita, KS, Plattsburgh, NY, Savannah, GA, Sacramento, CA, Clark AFB, Philippines, and San Bernardino, CA. During these years, Carolyn became a US citizen, which she was deeply proud of, and birthed three children who were her pride and joy. When not tending to her children, Carolyn spent her time breeding, training, showing and judging dogs. Carolyn was a lifelong animal lover and had numerous cats, dogs and various farm animals that she loved equally. After Neil's retirement from the Air Force, the family moved to Memphis, TN for Neil's new job as a pilot for a little known company called Federal Express. After many happy years at Fed Ex, Neil retired and he and Carolyn had the time of their lives traveling throughout the United States and Canada in their RV. Carolyn relished these trips and made many friends all over with her sweet disposition and wonderful laugh. After hanging up the RV keys, Neil and Carolyn sold their beloved Memphis home, christened Tigh Mhor, and moved to downtown Alpharetta, GA to be closer to her children and grandchildren.
Carolyn is survived by the love of her life and husband of almost 68 years, Neil; her deeply loved children Brent (Therese) Palmer, Alyssa Palmer and Michael (Holly) Palmer; her adored grandchildren Austin, Adam, MiKayla, TJ, Irelyn, Ethan and Sara; extended family throughout the United States and Scotland; her darling kitties Samson and Delilah, and many friends she's made along the way.
Carolyn was the eternal optimist, always ready with a smile and had a unique sense of joy that was unmatched. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren and cherished her husband and had photos of all of them all throughout her home. A fun game for the grandchildren when they were younger was to count how many photographs Nana had in her home. Her happy place was the beach. Any beach would do. It often reminded her of her home in Prestwick on the Scottish coast. She was proud of her Scottish heritage and had a special place in her heart for her homeland. She would spend hours on the beach staring at the sea, collecting seashells and reliving memories and creating new ones. Carolyn lived a wonderful life and she will be deeply, deeply missed by those that called her Mum, Nana, friend and especially wife. Ta and mar sin leat to our beloved Scottish lass. We love you.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Carolyn's cremains will be interred at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA in a private family service. In lieu of flowers, Carolyn's family would ask that you consider making a donation in her memory to your local animal shelter.