Crystal Shumaker Palmer

ROCKY MOUNT – Crystal Shumaker Palmer, age 80, passed away on Saturday August 29, 2026. Born in Arlington, VA on March 9, 1946, she was the daughter of James Lee Shumaker and Jeanette Shumaker. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband Gary Palmer, their son, Leland Palmer, brother -in -law, Floyd Hutchinson.

Crystal grew up in Fairfax, VA, then went on to marry the love of her life Gary Palmer in April of 1965. They were glued at the hip some would say. You didn’t see one without the other. Together they moved to Dundee, NY. While in New York, Crystal and her husband opened their home and fostered many children. Crystal worked many years at Penn Yan Boat Company, then later was an Insurance Agent with Metropolitan Life. They relocated to NC in 1986, Crystal went on to volunteer at the Women’s Prison. She worked until she retired from Tri-County Industries. She also was a long-time member of Englewood Presbyterian Church. Crystal was a true image bearer of Christ and a beacon of light and hope for all who knew and loved her. Crystal and her husband Gary spent 51 wonderful years together and now she is back in his loving arm. Crystal will be deeply missed.  She made a difference in the life of everyone who knew her and she leaves behind a tremendous legacy of life, love, and laughter.

Crystal is survived by her daughter, Lisa Moss (Daniel Owens); grandsons, Michael Palmer, wife Christina, Michael Owens, wife, Kaitlyn; granddaughter, Tabitha Boswell, Laney Dorsy. Ten great-grandchildren; sister, Linda Hutchinson, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Englewood Presbyterian Church, 100 S. Englewood Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.