Marie B. Palmer

Serena Marie Birdsall was born on September 2, 1924 in Raleigh North Carolina to William Sylvester Birdsall and Ida Mae Hunter Adams Birdsall.  Lovingly known by most as “Marie”, she peacefully departed this life at her home in Fuquay-Varina N.C. on September 8th, 2025.

Marie was a faithful and dedicated servant of God her entire life.

Her church life began at an early age when she joined First Baptist Church in Raleigh, N.C. and was baptized in 1940 by Reverend O.S. Bullock. She was a member of the junior choir and  a member of the Sally Mial band under the direction of Mrs Bullock.  

Marie was a product of the Raleigh Public School System attending elementary and middle schools, ultimately graduating from Washington High School in 1943.  She went on to attend Shaw University from 1943 - 1946.  Marie and her mother moved to New York City after the death of her Father. She enrolled and completed some courses at Hunter College City University of New York, while working various jobs.

Marie met and was courted by Otis Palmer of Harlan County Kentucky, and they were married December 19, 1948. They were not blessed with children from their union but had a love that endured and withstood the test of time. Her husband Otis had one son who passed away in November 1987 due to an accident. The Palmer’s were married for 66 years at the time of her beloved husband’s death in August 2014.

Marie joined St. Albans Congregational Church in St. Albans New York where she was a member of The Bayanihan  Club, a member of the New Member Committee, and she served as a Deaconess. Marie was also involved in civic activities and was a member of The Cambria Heights Lioness Club and The Women’s Auxiliary of VFW Post 5298.

Marie worked at Lord & Taylor Department store in the credit department as credit analyst, credit adjuster, and retired in 1984 as a Supervisor in that department after 31 years. 

After retirement Marie moved back to Raleigh N.C. in 1990 with her husband Otis Palmer and soon after purchased a home in Fuquay-Varina N.C.  She rejoined First Baptist Church in 1993 and joined the Senior Choir and Senior Ministry. She was a member of Ella C. Pegues’ Bible Class and a member of the Missionary Society. She fondly remembered working with Reverend Nathaniel Boykin. Marie was also a member of the North Carolina Club of N.C.

Marie deeply loved being a member of and attending First Baptist Church. Even after she became immobile she was on the prayer line on Mondays and Senior Bible Study on Thursday’s and kept in touch with many fellow members. She knew and loved many people in her church, several for decades. She also loved reading, traveling, indoor gardening, cooking, theater, shopping, walking and sharing her life experiences with others.

Marie was preceded in death by all seven of her siblings Margaret Adams Glascoe, Millard Adams Jr, Reverend Jesse B Adams, Willie Mae Birdsall Guess, Mildred Birdsall Hodges, Eloise, and Elizabeth. Her beloved Niece Lela Florine Guess Becoat also preceded her in death.

Marie leaves behind to mourn her beloved Nieces Desiree, Kaisha, Celeste, Marcia Glascoe and Kaylei Page, Nephews Demetrius, Marcus, Eugene, Taron, Tyree Glascoe,Jayden Page and Rufus S. Becoat Jr (Paulette V. Becoat), niece-in-law Ann Adams, Step Granddaughter Veronica Towns and a host of other relatives and friends; and  special devoted friends Senora Woodard, Thomas Harris, Sharon Banks, Clennis Noble, and Lynne Moore. 

Funeral service at 11:00 AM Thursday September 18, 2025 at First Baptist Church, 101 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC preceded by a 10:30 AM visitation.  Entombment will follow the service at Historic Oakwood Cemetery.  Public viewing from 2:00 - 8:00 PM on Wednesday September 17 at Haywood Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to:

First Baptist Church

(Family and Friends Day)

101 S. Wilmington Street

Raleigh, NC 27601 

and/or

Shaw  University

(Office of Institutional Development)

118 E. South Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

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