Della Palmer

Verdella "Della" Palmer, formerly of Conyers, GA, passed away on October 20, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, devoted educator and cherished friend to many, even at 96, her quick departure took us by surprise having been blessed by many years of good health. Della lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, resilience and unwavering faith. Born on April 13, 1929, in Lee County, Virginia, the daughter of B.D. and Lillie McCauley. Della grew up with a deep appreciation for learning. She started school at the age of 4 because she had already learned to read from her older sister's school books. Her mother agreed Della could go but wouldn't make her attend if she didn't want to. She rarely missed a day. Della earned a bachelor's degree in education at East Tennessee State University. Her commitment to teaching led her to further her studies at the University of Georgia, where she obtained a master's degree in education and a Reading Specialist certification. Della dedicated her life to educating and inspiring young minds. She began her teaching career at Duffield-Pattonsville Elementary School in Virginia before moving to Georgia, where she continued teaching in the Rockdale County School System. A devoted and compassionate teacher, Della had a gift for motivating her students and instilling in them a lifelong love of learning. Her tenure included teaching fourth grade at Main Street Elementary School and as the Reading Specialist at Flat Shoals Elementary School. She loved helping students grasp skills needed to get on track in reading. She made her small classes accessible, fun and effective through her engaging style of teaching for 25 years. In 1968, Della and her family became members of Rockdale Baptist Church- a spiritual community that remained central to her life for over five decades. Her faith was a guiding force that shaped her life. Della was married to L.C. (Lucian Carson) Palmer, with whom she shared 68 wonderful years until his passing. Together they raised two children. They thoroughly enjoyed visiting new places in the world and traveled extensively during their retirement years, with friends or family whenever possible. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Rita Palmer Hussung and son-in-law Mark Edward Hussung, grandchildren Steven Randal Hussung and his wife Brittani Howell, Luke Edward Hussung, and Maggie Palmer Hussung. She was preceded in death by her husband, L.C. Palmer, and son, Randal Mark Palmer, sister, Ada Marie Reasor and brother, Fayne McCauley. A woman of determination, discipline, and practicality, Della embraced each day with purpose. She maintained a sharp mind by reading the daily newspaper, working word puzzles and staying current on happenings from friends and family. Her love for reading never diminished; in recent years, she learned to check out and read books from the local library on her iPad. She was particularly fond of political biographies. She exercised daily: Despite two hip replacements in her eighties, she walked better in her last 15 years of life than she had in the decade prior. She was always ready for a trip or a meal out at one of her favorite local restaurants. Della found joy in staying active and connected with those around her. Throughout her life she loved hosting weekly game nights, going out for lunch with friends after cardiac exercise, tending the garden and preserving vegetables for the seasons ahead, and preparing delicious meals for her family-especially her famous 'Mimi bars,' a favorite among her grandchildren. She was always eager to join in on any activity that brought people together, even well into her 90s. She had an extraordinary ability to maintain lifelong friendships and took great care in staying connected with those she held dear. Her warmth extended beyond family into the broader community, where she was known for her kindness and generosity. Della's legacy is one of steadfast devotion - to her family, faith, and friends. Her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Scot Ward Funeral Home with Dr. Billy Moss officiating; interment will follow at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 12 until 1 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial gifts may be given to Rockdale Baptist Church (1295 Smyrna Rd, Conyers, GA 30094) Condolences may be submitted online at www.scotward.com Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Rd., Conyers, GA, 770-483-7216. Live stream will be available at time of service.

Della Palmer

April 13, 1929 - October 20, 2025