Obituary of Sherman Palmer

PALMER, Sherman Charles

March 17^th, 1936 - July 2^nd, 2021

Sherman Charles Palmer, 85, of Saint John, NB, died unexpectedly on Friday, July 2nd. His kind, gentle soul touched many and his dedication to his family, community, and religious faith was unwavering. He was a loyal and dedicated member of St. James and St. Luke's Anglican Church in Saint John.

A true pillar and elder statesman of the Black Community in Saint John, New Brunswick, his life’s work has an impact that extends to areas of Fredericton, Elm Hill, Weymouth, Nova Scotia, and beyond.

Sherman’s wisdom, influence and knowledge of histories long forgotten and absent from school curriculums and textbooks was, and continues to be, invaluable. A wonderful husband, brother, uncle, godfather, cousin and dear friend to many, his commitment and love to his family were evident as he always put the wellbeing of others above his own. Many of his achievements and accomplishments were overshadowed because of his selfless nature.

It is acknowledged that Sherman had a life of accomplishment and altruism. As a young teen, he was one of the first Black ushers for the Odeon Theatre. The majority of his working life he was a valued member of the Bank of Canada. Many of his proudest accomplishments were as a passionate volunteer where he spent many decades as an advocate for youth as a Boy's Scout Leader, a Broadcast Engineer for Cable 6 Network, and most notably an Ambassador for Senior Citizens in Saint John and throughout the province of New Brunswick.

Generosity, kindness, and his sheepish smile were traits that were familiar to everyone around him. His warm nature and engaging spirit will always be remembered. Words cannot express how much he was loved!

"The moon twangs its silver strings; The river swoons into town; The wind beds down in the pines, Covers itself with stars". George Eliot Clarke, Whylah Falls

1 Corinthians 2:9 "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him".

Sherman C. Palmer is predeceased by Grandmother Ida Mae (Patterson) Palmer, Grandfather Lavan Palmer, Mother Lena Simpson (Middleton), Wife Emereese Langford-Palmer, Sons James and Garnett Palmer, Sister Gertrude Simpson.

He is survived by his sisters Carol Dantzler of Cincinnati, Ohio, Sonya Noye of Toronto, Ontario, Gail Robinson (Simpson) of Saint John, New Brunswick, Lisa Simpson of Saint John, New Brunswick, cousin Shirley Middleton of Saint John, New Brunswick, and fiance Kim Ferron of Saint John, New Brunswick as well as many beloved, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, godchildren, and multitudes of friends.

Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, 634-7424. The visitation will take place Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 2-4 PM & 6-8 PM. The funeral service will take place on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 2 PM in the chapel. Interment to follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Donations can be made to St. Luke's Anglican Church & Senior Resource Centre in Saint John, NB. Online condolences and remembrances may be placed at www.brenansfh.com.