Mary Virginia "Gini" Palmer

Mary Virginia "Gini" Palmer, 90, of Chillicothe, passed at 10:33 p.m. Monday, November 3, 2025 at CareCore at Westmoreland following an extended illness.
She was born June 1, 1935, in Washington Court House, to the late John C. and Laura Burnett Shackleford. On June 30,1 956, she married Harold L. Palmer who passed June 9, 2005.
Surviving are children; Shawn Russell, of Panama City Beach, FL, Harold (Deirdre) Palmer, Jr. and Kenneth Palmer, both of Seattle, WA, Kaye (Tom) Woods, of Florence, AL and Laura (Bob) Root, of Mesa, AZ; 16 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; a sister, Bobbi (Paul) Higley, of Chillicothe; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Johnny Ray Shackelford.
Gini graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1953. She was active in choir, and a typist of The Mound-Builder HS Newspaper. Gini then worked as an Executive Secretary for the CEO of Mead Paper Company, and in 1956 married Harold (Lefty) Palmer, also a graduate of Chillicothe High School (1951). The couple enjoyed an international life together, raising their children overseas during Harold's thirty-year career as an executive with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Gini embraced each new culture and language she was introduced. A devoted Christian, and student of scripture, Gini participated in and led many Bible studies, and taught children's Sunday School for many years. Of all her interests and passions, Gini's greatest pride and joy were her children. She loved planning children's parties and would often create an elaborate birthday cake and individual favor packets for the invited guests. She also volunteered in activities ay children's schools wherever she lived, such as the PTA, directing plays and acting as Den mother for scouts (girls and boy). Gini also embraced the role of Grandmother and was active in their lives and played host and chef when the grandkids visited her. Gini and Harold (Lefty) were avid golfers, often winning may trophies and cups over the years. She was Harold's right arm and hostess of many business dinner parties. From Mozambique, Africa to Brazil, Philippines, Venezuela, Australia, and Chile. Despite this full and active international life, she always made it home to Chillicothe for visits to family. She and Harold never forgot where they came from, and as alumni attended several Chillicothe High School reunions. Once Harold and Gini returned to the United State upon retirement in 1990, they established their home in Panama City Beach, Florida. Gini became active as a member at Covenant Presbyterian Church. She taught Sunday School for almost twenty years, seeing many of the young 4-5yr olds grow up, graduate and marry. She supported many church sponsored missionaries. Being fluent in Spanish, she was also called on for tutoring at the Covenant Christian School. One of Gini's delights throughout her life was Cross- stitching. Every Christmas she would make a cross-stitch ornament for the children in her Sunday School class. In addition to her activities in the community at her church, Gini was also actively involved with the Crisis Pregnancy center of Panama City. She was dedicated to helping young and struggling expectant mothers, that needed help. She offered herself in ministry to them with weekly Bible Studies, prayer, donations, and offerings. Virginia Shackelford Palmer lived life full, embodied with passion, creativity, resourcefulness and sacred love, she did this with a strong faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday, November 10, 2025 in the WARE FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Aaron Hines officiating. Burial will follow in St. Margaret Cemetery. Friends may call at the WARE FUNERAL HOME from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
You may sign her online register at warefh.com
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