Simone Yolanda Palmer

Simone Yulanda Palmer Eulogy

June 18, 1973 – August 15, 2026

Simone Yulanda Palmer was born on June 18, 1973, the only child of her devoted mother, Zelpha Powell, and first daughter of her father, Desmond Palmer. To her mother, Simone was truly “the apple of her eye.” Zelpha affectionately called her “Mem,” “Sim Sim,” and “Memone,” and remembers her as a beautiful, loving, and kindhearted child.

That kindness remained one of Simone’s greatest qualities throughout her life. She had a genuine heart for people, especially those who were struggling or less fortunate. On one memorable occasion, Simone went to her Aunt Pauline’s house, raided her wardrobe, gathered a collection of clothes, and gave them to people in need in a North Miami community. When Aunt Pauline questioned her about taking the clothes, Simone simply replied, “Auntie, Mann, we have to help people who are struggling to survive and less fortunate.”

That was Simone. If someone was in need, she would have given them the last blouse off her back.

Simone received her education at William Brian Jennings Preparatory School, North Miami Junior High School, and North Miami Senior High School. She was full of life and loved having fun, but she was also exceptionally bright and could pick up almost any book and read it effortlessly.

After graduating from high school, Simone worked for several organizations, including the United States Postal Service, home health agencies, PRC Telemarketing, and Infiniti of the Palm Beaches. Whatever position she held, Simone believed in working hard, maintaining professionalism, and representing her employer with pride.

But perhaps Simone’s greatest joy was being a mother.

She was the proud mother of five sons: Jamal, Shamar, Danford, Jahaziel, and Aiyani, as well as the loving grandmother of two beautiful grandchildren. Her children were, as she often said, “the joy of her life.”

The bond between Simone and her boys was inseparable. Like a mother duck with her ducklings, wherever Simone went, her boys were never far behind. She was their rock, their protector, and their constant source of love and support. She created happy memories with them—trips to Boomers, football games, favorite restaurants, and simple moments at home. She especially enjoyed watching Martin with her youngest son, Aiyani, whom she lovingly called her “Wash Belly.”

In 2010, Simone's life changed when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a progressive and challenging illness. Yet even as her health declined, the illness never defined who Simone was.

She fought each round with tremendous faith, humility, hope, and resilience. She did not allow anger or hardship to weaken her spirit. Most importantly, she remained devoted to her children and continued encouraging them in their education and their lives.

Throughout Simone’s illness, her mother, Zelpha, became her tower of strength—remaining faithfully by her side, day and night, attending to her needs, nourishing her, comforting her, and surrounding her with love.

Simone recognized that extraordinary devotion. Speaking of her mother, she once said, “She deserves a medal. She is my baby.”

Those few words captured a relationship that went far beyond mother and daughter. They were companions, caregivers to one another in different ways, and above all, deeply connected by love.

On August 15, 2026, Simone answered God’s call and entered eternal rest.

Today, we remember not simply the challenges Simone endured, but the life she lived—her generosity, her laughter, her strength, her devotion to her children, and the love she shared so freely.

Although we will deeply miss Simone’s presence, the love she gave remains with us. It lives on in her mother, her sons, her grandchildren, her family, and her sisters, Kara Palmer Smith and Sara-Dee Palmer and in every person whose life was touched by her kindness.

Simone, you fought the good fight. You loved deeply, you gave generously, and you endured courageously. Now, may you rest peacefully, knowing that you were loved beyond measure and that your memory will remain forever in our hearts.