Yvonne Palmer

Yvonne “Frankie” Bales Palmer, age 78, of Frederick, MD, formerly of Memphis, TN, died peacefully on May 23, 2024, after a courageous fight with cancer. Born October 19, 1945, in Hixon, TN, Yvonne was the youngest of three daughters of Frank Lee Bales (1892-1963) and Willa Mae Bales, née Freshour (1920-1994). Leaving the mountains of east Tennessee, Yvonne, her mom, and older sisters settled in Memphis where she graduated from Overton High School in 1964.

Yvonne went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Memphis State University and worked as a schoolteacher for Diocese of Memphis Catholic Schools and Memphis City Schools with whom she retired. Yvonne is preceded in death by her father, mother, and two sisters, Wanda Coughlin, and Glenda Porterpan. She is survived by her two daughters Shannon Guinan (Tom) of South Bend, Indiana; and Audra Springirth (Cory) of Frederick, Maryland; and 7 grandchildren, Andrew, Sarah, Mary, Vivienne, Juliet, Estelle, and Theodore; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Yvonne loved the arts, she had an immense talent for creative writing, drawing, cross-stitch, and crochet. She enjoyed traveling; in addition to living in Tennessee and Maryland, she also lived in Alexandria, Virginia; Dallas, Texas; Sequim, Washington; and New Orleans, Louisiana, the latter of which always held a special place in her heart. However, more than her love for the arts and travel was her love for animals. From the tiny ladybug to the majestic elephant and everything in between, including her many beloved pets.

A dedicated mother and grandmother, “Yaya,” with her big heart, spunk, and dynamic personality was deeply loved by family and friends and will be forever missed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org), ASPCA | American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or your local Humane Society.

As per Yvonne’s request, a New Orleans style celebration of life will be held with family and friends on a date to be determined. Details will be sent once arrangements are made.