Virginia Sykes Palmer OBITUARY

Virginia Sykes Palmer OBITUARY

Alice Virginia Sykes Palmer, 92, the only child of Clarence Julian Sykes and Alice Leddie Sykes died June 30, 2024 in Virginia Beach. She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years N. Hughes Palmer Jr., her son Julian Whitney Palmer, and son-in-law Christopher Shaughnessy. Virginia’s life was one of joy, lifelong good friends, and unmatched hospitality. Born in Macon Georgia, she spent her youth in Norfolk swimming and crabbing in the Lafayette River alongside her friends, Joyce, Janet, Connie, Mary, and Francis. The girls’ friendship thrived into old age. When she met Hughes at Maury High School, the love of her life had arrived and after two years at Mary Baldwin College, Virginia and Hughes were married. Virginia Beach became their home beside the ocean she loved.

Virginia and Hughes traveled widely across the United States and Europe. Hughes was the ever-patient driver and Virginia the instigator of each adventure. The members of their Sunday School class from Virginia Beach United Methodist Church often joined in their good times. Over the many years of fellowship, they enjoyed one another’s families, a competitive game of cards, square-dancing, and picnics.

After the birth of their third child, a son who faced life-long challenges, Virginia saw the need to finish her education. While raising children she graduated from Old Dominion and earned a Master of Special Education ready to help her son and others. Virginia worked at Tidewater Rehabilitation Institute, where she and her colleagues used their wits and imagination to create unique and practical solutions to physical limitations. Later she became a special education teacher in the Virginia Beach School System. She and Hughes were instrumental in establishing a United Cerebral Palsy Chapter to help other families like their own.

Her hands never idle, Virginia was a craftsman participating in many local art shows, including the Boardwalk Art Show, with handmade Nantucket baskets, lamps, and handbags. She enjoyed painting, knitting, sewing, woodworking, and collecting all types of Noah’s arks. But her true passion was her grandchildren; Alice Shaughnessy (Ben Migdol), Noah Palmer (Lisa), Jack Palmer (Rachel), Elizabeth Palmer (Blake Carrell), and great grandchildren Grace, Annie, Hughes, Jack, Hudson, Henry, and Violet. In her prime, her grandchildren were the recipients of their grandmother’s love of play from a pinball machine in the garage, to their backyard pool on 50th Street or with homemade puppets, ‘jams’, books, and dollhouses. She was always cooking up an idea that brought enormous joy to her family.

Virginia is survived by her daughter Susan Shaughnessy and son Noah (Butch) Palmer IV (Linda). The family is grateful to the staff of Atlantic Shores and Bay Lake Retirement Community who cared for Virginia with love and professionalism.

A Celebration of Virginia’s life will take place at Virginia Beach United Methodist Church on September 14 at 11:00. A reception will follow at Princess Anne Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice.