Elizabeth Wilson Palmer

1950 - 2024

Elizabeth Wilson Palmer
06/24/1950 - 07/28/2024
After many years courageously fighting cancer, Liz Wilson Palmer, passed away Sunday July 28th peacefully at her home in the loving comfort of her family. Liz Wilson Palmer, was born in 1950. She grew up on 32nd Street in Richmond and graduated from Richmond High School.
Upon graduating from high school she worked at Capwell's and attended college part time. She continued her education obtaining her bachelors degree and becoming a teacher. Liz began her career as a teacher in West Contra Costa County. She worked for the Contra Costa County of Education(CCCOE) for 34 years. In 1982 she transferred to Marchus School(CCCOE) to teach high school age students with emotional disorders. In the 1987-88 school year, Liz was offered and accepted the role of Transition Specialist (CCCOE). Following the changing focus in education, her role was the first formalized transition specialist in California.
As a transition specialist, her role was to develop and ease special needs students into longer term educational, social, and vocational programming. During her tenure she created transition classes for students 18-22. Liz also spearheaded annual transition fairs for students
and parents, annual transition conference at Diablo Valley College, vocational fashion shows and a successful summer work program across the county with Project Workability. Liz was part of several community boards including: Regional Center of the East Bay, Area Developmental Disabilities Council and Los Medanos College Vocational Curriculum.
Liz was also a beacon to her own family- the go to person for anyone. She enjoyed the holidays and bringing family together. She shared a wonderful life with her husband, William Palmer(Bill).They were very close and enjoyed traveling and laughing with each other. Liz had one son, Craig Wilson, who she raised to be the person he is today. Her daughter in law, Kay, loved her like a mother and Liz cherished their relationship. Liz's two grandchildren, Madison and Luke, were a joy to her. Her grandchildren loved her and also cared for her. Her niece, Lisa, played a pivotal role while helping and caring for her. She was very close to her family including her sister Kathy and her husband Larry, her sisters Pat and Gloria, William's children Daphne and her husband Larry, Liesl and Tyler and many nieces and nephews. She was a beacon during her life and will continue to be a beacon for all of us. As she gave so much during her life to others she leaves us with her kindness, patience, resilience, unconditional regard for others, peaceful strength, love of life and vibrant spirit.