Obituary of Annie Mae Claiborne Palmore

Annie Mae Claiborne Palmore was born the daughter of Rosetta Smothers in Powhatan County on December 31, 1932. She passed peacefully, Sunday, October 9th, 2022, in her home in Richmond, VA. Annie Mae graduated from Pocahontas High School. In 1950 she met and fell in love with her husband Otis Francis Palmore. Their love and dedication to each other spanned over 60 years and they reared 6 children. At an early age, Annie Mae was baptized and joined Little Zion Baptist Church where she remained a long-dedicated member and valued acts of service. In her formal years, Annie Mae served as the church sexton, secretary of the building fund under the leadership of Mrs. Thigpen, founded the Jr. Choir, founded the Jr. Missionary, hosted the church Easter hunts, special programs, and even got the Little Zion Combined Choir featured on Channel 8 Sunday Morning Gospel Hour. She was also represented Little Zion Baptist Church as a member at the James River District Baptist Association yearly. During her early years, Annie Mae worked as a Teacher's Aide within the school system and became self-employed as a domestic worker for many years. The relationships she formed with her clients turned to long-lasting relationships. Annie Mae also worked for Powhatan Health Department as a Home Care Aide and provided excellent care to many community members and families throughout terminal illness and as they transitioned. This era in her career inspired both of her daughters to pursue nursing professionally. Annie also volunteered in her community by volunteering at the Powhatan Clothes Closet. Annie Mae was a strong, caring, kind, independent, strict, firm, and humorous woman. What a Combination! She loved children, her family, serving her community, and her church family, and enjoyed being in their company. She was "Mama Annie Mae", "Aunt Annie", or "Cousin Annie Mae" to everyone that crossed her path. Annie never turned away a stranger or the opportunity to help someone and oftentimes her house was full, and everyone was given some sort of nickname. She showered so many people with her awesome food and she supported many parents with childcare in the community. She valued journaling and made it a point to send cards with handwritten messages to encourage people and remind them that they were blessed, and that God loved them. Annie Mae's big heart allowed her to accept everyone as they are. Annie was also a lover of music, poetry, the spoken word. She woke up every morning listening to gospel music, would read the Daily Bread, and recited the 23rd Psalms. Some of her favorite poems were, "Where Were You" and "Give me my Flowers". And we did! Flowers, plants, and arrangements were often sent because she wanted to be able to enjoy and smell their beauty. As a child, Annie sang the highest range vocal as a natural Soprano. After a bout with laryngitis in her teens, her high school Principal, and Music Director, Mr. Ransome trained her to sing alto and that's the beautiful and inspiring voice you have heard for so many years at Little Zion. She also played the organ and piano. That musical talent sprinkled onto her children and grandchildren and led to many of them singing in the Little Zion Junior Choir and learning to play instruments. Enjoying the outside, gardening, and taking care of her many cats were some of the fun things she loved to do. She was preceded in death by her husband Otis, son Leo, daughter Mae Rosa, Mother Rosetta Smothers, sister Jean, and brother Clarence. Annie Mae leaves to cherish her memories to her loving daughter, Shirley Reavis (Lamar), devoted sons; Eric Palmore and Kenneth Palmore (Crystal); devoted son and caregiver Francis Palmore (Paulette), seven grandchildren, Clayton, Erica, Chamille, Erin, Paul, Frances, and Kariama; one Great Granddaughter Mya; four sisters Pearl Hopewell, Elaine Smothers, Claudine Smith and Gloria Holman (Leonard); three brothers, George Smothers, Earl Smothers and Maurice Smothers; Loving Sister and Brother in love; Marvin & Polly Ann Palmore; Best Friend Shirley Eggleston and Sally Sanderson; Honorary Daughters Gail Ferguson, Helen Mitchum Brown, Paulette Morris Taylor, Barbara Scott, Shirley Goins, Sara Smith Jones and Sylvia Gordon White; Honorary Bodyguard Juan Hardy; Devoted Caregivers Candice Choice, Elaine Smothers and Alicia Hardy, and host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Mother & Grandmother's wonderful legacy There Is A! Wonderful Legacy Of Which We Wish To, Tell About A Wonderful Woman That We Love So Well Her Strength Lives Within Us And Grows Stronger Each Day Her Honor Lingers Though She Has Slipped Away We Miss The! Sound, Of Her Laughter In Her Style Lectures Too! We Miss Hearing Her Say I Love You She Fought A! Good Battle Then Gave Up The, Fight To Rest In, The Arms Of! Jesus What A Beautiful Sight In Our Hearts Her Memory Will Always Stay Nothing Could Ever Take Her Remembrance Away. Love You! Children & Grandchildren Acknowledgements The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all those who have express their sympathy through prayers, cards, texts, phone calls or just stopping by during our time of bereavement. May God bless you and His love be yours to share. Live stream: YouTube https://youtu.be/cZIqEaQZk4U