Mr. Monroe Benjamin Palmer, Jr., the son of the late Mr. Monroe and Mrs. Araminta Davis Palmer, was born on March 20, 1951, in Brunswick, Georgia. He was the second of five children. He was baptized at an early age and became a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church on St. Simons Island, Georgia. “Benjie,” as he was affectionately known by family and friends, was a graduate of Risley High School, class of 1969. He continued his education at Fort Valley State College (University) where he graduated receiving his bachelor of arts degree in 1973.
Upon graduation, he moved to Trenton, New Jersey, for twenty years. After retiring, he later relocated back to St. Simons Island, Georgia, with his family members. Benjie enjoyed fishing at the Pier, listening to his music, dancing, watching westerns on tv, and having fun with his family.
In April 1983, he was joined in marriage to Genevieve Virginia Cooley. She preceded him in death on September 7, 1997.
He was gainfully employed by the Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company and later joined the New Jersey Department of Corrections as a parole and correction officer until retirement. Benjie quietly and peacefully joined hands with an angel on January 19, 2023, at Baptist Hospital-Beaches, Jacksonville, Florida, surrounded by his family.
He leaves to cherish his memories: four children, Sonya Rogers (Lathan) of Alice Spring, Australia, and Torrey Chastine (Kimberly), Jamila Palmer, and Diondre Palmer (Jasmine), all of Atlanta, GA; three sisters, Diane Haywood of St. Simons Island, GA, Arnette Curtis (Marvin, Sr.) Savannah, GA, and De’Alver Arrington (John, Sr.) of McDonough, GA; a brother, Reginald Palmer (Nancy) of Hampton, GA; seven grandchildren, Akilah Rogers, Asha Rogers, Kennedi Chastine, Aryn Chastine, Dillon Palmer, Grayson Palmer, and Orion Palmer; a great-grandson, Kendrick Fletcher; an uncle, Thomas J. Palmer (Barbara) of Fort Valley, GA; aunts, Zerilda Palmer of Greenwich, CT, and Laura (Will) Friend of Brunswick, GA; extended family member, Ann Scott (Ret. Col James) of
San Antonia, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends.