Alice J. Palmer Memorial, A Lush Life

Psalm 73:26 - My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Dear family and friends,

The great Alice Palmer, our beloved mother, grandmother and fierce leader has transitioned peacefully. Thank you to all of those who visited her as she grieved our father’s death and struggled through her own health challenges. We will always remember her regal essence, the powerful meetings and dinners at our home with guests that were pivotal leaders in history and politics, our many road trips to our summer home and adventures to distant lands where she was loved and appreciated for her brilliance. We will miss her storytelling, her bright smile, beautiful face, nurturing spirit and transcending conversations.

Thank you for your prayers, condolences and love. Dr. and former State of Illinois Senator Alice J. Palmer was loved and cherished by many. Palmer is survived by her son David Robinson, daughter Zella Palmer, six grandchildren (Alexis, Miles, Morgan, Yanoxy, San Jhon and Mayah) and many extended family members who regarded her as a mother, grandmother, auntie, friend and colleague. In lieu of flowers, we appreciate your support with funeral expenses and closing costs. The Palmer family would like to invite you to attend a memorial service on Friday, September 8th at 2:00 pm at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois.

About Dr. Alice J. Palmer:

Alice Jozella Palmer was born on June 20, 1939, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The daughter of Erskine and Mary Ward Roberts and granddaughter of Dr. Joseph Henry Ward and Zella Locklear Ward. Palmer graduated from high school at age sixteen and enrolled at Indiana University. Palmer returned to Indiana University to earn her Bachelor's degree with the help of four jobs and a scholarship.

After graduating in 1965, Palmer found a teaching position in Indianapolis, Indiana, but soon moved to Chicago to work at Crane Junior College, later called Malcolm X College where she met her beloved ‘bear’ Edward ‘Buzz’ Palmer. She received her Masters degree from Roosevelt University and her Ph.D. from Northwestern University, where she co-authored two books and was pivotal in building the Black House. She affectionately called her students her ‘Black House Babies.’

Palmer remained at Northwestern University to serve as Associate Dean and Director of African American Student Affairs for the next five years. Palmer served as the National Voter Education Director for a national citizen action organization before becoming the founding director of the Metro YMCA Youth and Government Program in 1986. She also served as Executive Director of Chicago Cities in Schools.

On June 6, 1991, Palmer replaced Richard Newhouse in the Illinois Senate, where she served until 1996. While in office, Palmer served on the Appropriations II Committee, among many others. In 1996, Palmer was hired by the University of Illinois at Chicago as an Associate Professor in the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs.