Eva Joyce Palmer Obituary
Eva Joyce Palmer passed away December 30, 2025, in Norman, OK at the age of 84 years 4 months 5 days. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Wadley's Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery, entrusted to the care of Wadley's Funeral Service.
Joyce was born August 25, 1941, in Stratford, Oklahoma to Jim and Effie (Bagwell) Evans. Raised in her hometown of Stratford, Joyce's early life was steeped in the values of community and hard work, which she carried with her throughout her years. Joyce's professional journey as a waitress not only showcased her dedication but also reflected her passion for serving others. She notably owned the Pink Poodle Café in Purcell, where she became a cherished part of the local community, later continuing her culinary service at the Broken Spoke. Her talent in the kitchen was not limited to her professional endeavors; every Christmas, she delighted family and friends alike by making candy with her daughter Betty, a tradition that highlighted her generous spirit and love for those around her. In addition to her culinary skills, Joyce found joy in crocheting and exploring the digital world on her tablet, often indulging in her favorite television shows. These small pleasures painted the picture of a woman who cherished the simple joys of life. Joyce's heart belonged deeply to her family. She was united in marriage to Ted Harper, with whom she raised a wonderful family until his passing in 1979. In 1989, Joyce embraced love once more when she married Robert Palmer in Purcell, bringing together their families and nurturing a home filled with affection. Throughout her life, Joyce embodied the essence of familial devotion, placing her loved ones above all else. She will be remembered for her kindness, her culinary delights, and the strong bonds she fostered with her family. Joyce leaves behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Effie Evans; her husbands, Ted Harper in 1979 and Robert Palmer in 2017; her son, Ted Harper; her daughter, Mary Jo Palmer; her siblings, Billy Sunderland, Faye Miller and Jimmy Evans. Survivors include her daughters, Betty Hatfield and husband, Ro, Shelly Baker and husband, Poncho, Dianna Anderson and significant other, Michael Skinner, Nancy Tomlinson, Patsy Palmer-Gilleland; her son, Bert Harper; her sisters, Marie Hourigan and Sue Stockton; her 11 grandchildren; her 23 great grandchildren; her 10 great-great grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.
