Mildred Palmer

Mildred Williamson Palmer of Albemarle died Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 99 years of age. Mildred was born in Aiken, SC on February 6, 1919 to Katie Sanders Williamson and James Luke Williamson. She spent her childhood in Aiken, SC and moved to Albemarle with her first husband, William Henry Burbage, Sr., to open a pharmacy. Together they established the new business and enjoyed building a life and friendships within the community. After his death, she married Malcolm Monroe Palmer, also of Albemarle, who operated a lumber business, as Mildred's father had done, and was active in the development and growth of Albemarle. Mildred was a thoughtful and gracious hostess and a skilled coordinator of events, throwing memorable bridge parties, bridal showers, Christmas Eve celebrations, and weddings that she directed for friends and their children. She maintained a beautiful home and helped to update and redecorate her church in many projects over the years. She enjoyed and created striking needlework and was always ready to bake a pound cake to mark a special occasion. Mildred was just as lively and full of wit for all the days of her life, and maintained a presence that will be missed. Mildred is predeceased by her parents, James and Katie Williamson, her brother, Luke McIver Williamson, her sister, Vivian Williamson Lofgren, her husbands, William Henry Burbage, Sr. and Malcolm Monroe Palmer,and her only child, William Henry Burbage, Jr. She is survived by her remaining sibling, Marian Bell, and husband Jimmie, her nephew, Rickie Bell, her niece, Peggy Harding, her great-niece, Tamela Pridgen, her step-son, Franchot Palmer, his wife, Carol, their two daughters, Deirdre and Brooke, and by her granddaughters and their children, Heather Chansen and her son, James Whitley Chansen, and Heidi Burbage and her husband, Colman Murphy, and their children, Jack Judson Murphy and Lila Boone Murphy.  Mildred will be entombed in a private ceremony at Fairview Cemetery.  A memorial service will be held at a later date. Mildred was a faithful member at First Baptist Church in Albemarle and after her second marriage, at First Lutheran. Offerings toward Christian education at either church would be appreciated, as will offerings to Hospice of Stanly and the Uwharries. The family extends gratitude for your prayers and peace in God’s gift of love in life eternal.