Elise DeLozier Palmer

Elise DeLozier Palmer, 98, drifted away peacefully on May 24, 2025, at her beloved Rush Fork home of 76 years, surrounded by the presence of her devoted family. Born on August 2, 1926, in Judson, North Carolina. Elise was grace incarnate, serene, and ever the lady. She loved deeply and was a person of real substance.

Over the years Elise gracefully wore many hats. She was a dedicated educator who touched the lives of countless students in five Haywood County schools and she especially loved her students at the old Fines Creek School. Later she became a guidance counselor, her true calling, at both Pisgah and Tuscola High Schools. Elise also shared her knowledge and passion for nurturing young minds as a home extension agent and 4-H agent in the latter 1940’s. Her remarkable journey included working for the FBI in Washington D.C., doing her part for the war effort during World War II at the tender age of 16, riding the train from Asheville to Washington by herself, a feat that underscored her determination and fortitude.

Perhaps her most significant role was that as a dedicated wife and partner to her faithful husband, Joseph Hardy Palmer. Together, they shared both life's simple pleasures and its challenges as they cultivated their family and supported each other's endeavors. Elise stood steadfastly by his side throughout his many roles, including that as a dairy farmer, builder of Interstate 40 through the Pigeon River Gorge, and as member of the NC House of Representatives and the NC Senate for most of Elise’s married life, embodying the essence of partnership and love.

Elise's academic pursuits are equally commendable. After graduation from Sand Hill High School, Enka, NC, she graduated from three universities. They were the University of North Carolina at Asheville, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and culminating in a Master’s degree in Counseling from Western Carolina University. Elise’s hobby of writing poems, of which there are many, mostly about her family & nature, was a great joy to all who heard them. Her love for learning never waned.

Her grandchildren will always recall getting off the school bus and spending time at her kitchen table, indulging in homemade pound cake and cokes, and playing Chinese checkers, where she always let them win. Elise's kitchen was not just a place for meals; it was a sanctuary filled with laughter, storytelling, and lessons imparted between bites.

A passionate genealogist, Elise dedicated herself to preserving the history of her family and the lost town of Judson. With an unwavering spirit, she sought to mark her ancestors’ unmarked graves at Lauada Cemetery in Swain County, after their relocation from the DeLozier cemetery in Judson, now covered by Fontana Lake. Her boundless energy and love for sharing stories were woven into every gathering, as she brought her family's lineage to life over grand holiday meals.

Elise DeLozier Palmer’s patriotic spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of those she loved and inspired. She was a dedicated member of the Daughters of the American Revolution since 1987, the Waynesville Book Club, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, enjoyed traveling worldwide, and was a dedicated member her entire life of the Methodist Church.

Elise is predeceased by her parents John Cleveland DeLozier and Roxie Woody DeLozier; two sons, Joseph William “Jody” Palmer and Christopher Joseph Palmer; five siblings, Hazel DeLozier Morris, Alwayne Delozier Williams, Ruth DeLozier Nicholson, Hugh Helton DeLozier, and Charlotte DeLozier Harrison.

Elise leaves behind a loving family that includes: John Glenn Palmer, Amy Palmer Evans (Scott), and Kim Hardy Palmer (Tracey); daughter-in-law, Robin Strickland Palmer; four grandchildren, Jesse Ann Evans, Casey Rebecca Palmer, Richard Earl Malloy III (Maia), and Taylor Ryan Malloy; and five great-grandchildren, Kahlan Stephanie Malloy, Zeke Tyler Malloy, Salem Ryan Malloy, Emilia River Malloy, and Monroe Palmer Malloy. She is also survived by her many nieces and nephews and her cherished cat, Muriel Hemingway.

Her wisdom and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. The family acknowledges with gratitude her special friends, especially Joann Green who took care of Elise during her declining health. Also, Mary Owenby and her wonderful Care Angels; the dedicated staff at Smoky Mountain Rehabilitation & Health Center; the nurses & doctors at Haywood Regional Hospital; and especially Dr. Rhianna Kirkpatrick Ritter.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00 PM at Crabtree United Methodist Church, located at 5405 Crabtree Rd, Clyde, NC 28721. In this gathering, they will celebrate the life of an extraordinary woman whose memory will be etched in their hearts forever. Flowers, which Elise loved, are welcome at the funeral. Memorial donations are encouraged to Crabtree United Methodist Church, 5405 Crabtree Rd, Clyde, NC 28721.

The care of Ms. Palmer has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville