Obituary of Shirley Jeanne Palmer

Shirley Jeanne Barnett Palmer September 23, 1933 – February 5, 2020 Shirley Jeanne Barnett Palmer passed away February 5, 2020, at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. She was astounded to have made it to 86 years old. Shirley was born in Oakland, California, to Mary (Kanarr) and Leonard Barnett. After moving to Oregon to be close to family, Shirley spent the rest of her life in Portland and Beaverton. She attended Kellogg Elementary School (graduated 1947), Franklin High School (1951), and Linfield College (1955), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She was a proud member of the Sons and Daughters of Oregon Pioneers. Shirley married Robert V. Palmer on September 10, 1955. They were married for 54 years before Bob passed away in 2010. Shirley grew up as a member of Arleta Baptist Church. After moving to Beaverton in 1977, Shirley and Bob joined Cedar Hills Baptist Church. Shirley’s musicianship on the piano and organ developed into a true talent, and she served as organist at both churches. In this role, she was honored to share many important life moments while playing for weddings, memorials, and other celebrations. Her appreciation for all types of music also led Shirley to sing in church choirs, become a symphony season ticket holder, and attend organ concerts as a member of the Columbia River Theater Organ Society. Shirley was always in search of new adventures. As a mom to four daughters, she was a very involved Camp Fire leader, which later grew into employment with the Portland Area Council of Camp Fire. She spent many summers known as Huff ‘n Puff, a Unit Director at Camp Wekio. She was also a dedicated band and musical theater parent. Travel was vital, especially in recent years. She was proud of her well-worn national parks visitor pass, used most recently last summer to visit Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Parks. She was an avid reader of mysteries and historical nonfiction. She loved visiting with family and friends. Shirley is missed by all, including her daughters Wendy Palmer, Heidi Palmer, Beth Sharman, and Terri Palmer; daughter-in-law Karen Shenefelt; son-in-law Martyn Sharman; grandchildren Erik, Molly, and Brent Sharman; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Densley and Joyce Palmer, and their children, Jocelyn, Clark, and Diana; beloved cat Flynn; and Sarah Olson, our family’s Visiting Angel. A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at 3pm on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at Cedar Hills Baptist Church, 2470 SW Roxbury Ave, Portland, OR 97225. Memorial contributions may be made to Cat Adoption Team, 14175 SW Galbreath Dr, Sherwood, OR 97140, or All Classical Portland, 211 SE Caruthers St. Suite 200, Portland, OR 97214. Please visit the guestbook portion of this site and enter a special memory or message. Thank you.