Martha Jean Palmer

Martha Jean (Nelson) Palmer, 88, of Morgantown, WV (formerly of Allegany, NY), passed away on August 13, 2022. Martha Jean was born in Olean, NY to Esther and Harry Nelson on January 11, 1934 and lived in Duke Center, PA throughout her childhood. She attended Otto Township Schools and graduated in 1951.  After high school, she attended the University of Rochester and graduated with a degree in Health Information Technology.

After graduating from college, Martha Jean’s first job was at the Olean General Hospital, where she was proud to work for 40 years.  She held multiple roles throughout the hospital during her tenure.  Prior to retirement, she was the head of Medical Records.  Following her retirement in 1999, she spent many years volunteering her time with the Olean General Hospital Auxiliary, which she loved.

On August 23, 1958, she married Sidney Donald Palmer at Duke Center Methodist Church in Duke Center, PA.

Martha Jean, or Aunt Mark, as she was known by many in her extended family, loved to entertain and was the ultimate hostess.  She enjoyed reading, playing cards, and cooking.  You could often find her on the front porch with her husband Sidney laughing and talking with neighbors or at a local coffee shop talking with friends.  Her greatest joy was traveling to see her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spending time playing games or attending their various activities.

Martha Jean is survived by her daughter Betsy (Vincent) Johns of Morgantown, WV; Brian (Laurie) Palmer of Columbus, OH; five grandchildren, Nicholas (Kristen) Johns, Hilary (Tyler) Dean and Cory Johns of Morgantown, WV, and Charlie Palmer and Louise Palmer of Columbus, OH; three great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Lane, and Nash Dean of Morgantown, WV; brother-in-law William (Kay) Palmer of Leesburg, FL;  sister-in-law Kay Palmer of Knapp Creek, NY; and several cherished nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Sidney and parents Esther and Harry Nelson.

Cremation was arranged by the Fred Jenkins Funeral Home of Morgantown, WV.  A Service of Remembrance will be held in the Spring 2023. The family also wishes to extend their gratitude to WVU Medicine Hospice and the entire staff at Stonerise at Morgantown.