Carolyn Palmer

Swannanoa Carolyn Hudgins Palmer, 76, a native of Buncombe County, passed from this life into eternity at 8:20 PM on Thursday, April 20, 2017. Carolyn was the oldest child, born April 14, 1941, to Hilliard H. Hudgins and Bonnie Williams Hudgins, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded by her two sons, Jerry Lee Palmer and Jack Palmer, Jr.; grandson, David Mark Whitaker and brother, David Hudgins. As a child, Carolyns family lived in Woodfin and she also attended Woodfin Elementary and Clyde A. Erwin High School, class of 1959. After high school, Carolyn married and had six children. All while raising her children, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mars Hill College in 1975, finishing in three years with a degree in early childhood education. Carolyn retired after 30 years of teaching Kindergarten children in the Asheville City Schools. She was an avid poet, loved genealogy and working in her garden. Surviving are her daughter, Carla Lynn Ballard of Arden; three sons, John Palmer of Ogden, UT, Joe Palmer of Swannanoa and Joshua Palmer of Huntington Beach, CA; grandchildren, Sarah Whitaker of Arden, Katie Palmer and Jennie Jacobsen of Ogden, UT, Matthew and Ben Palmer of Fletcher and Kristen Hensley of Arden; 12 great grandchildren; her baby sister, Sandra King to whom was like a mother and brother-in-law, Sam King of Alexander; several nieces and nephews who loved her and called her Granny C and special friend, Lori Crook. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at Newbridge Baptist Church with Rev. Clark E. Henderson and Rev. Wesley Pike officiating. Burial will follow in Elk Mountain Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 AM Wednesday at the church.