Mrs. Verna Mae Desmuke Palmer, the daughter of the late Lamar and Mattie Bright Desmuke, was born on September 17, 1941. Verna accepted Christ at a young age while attending New Zion Baptist Church in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She received her formal education in Muskogee attending Dunbar Elementary, Sadler Junior High, and graduated from Manual Training High School.

Verna married Prince Eddie McJunkins II and to this union two sons where born, Eric Jerome and Prince Eddie III. The marriage was later dissolved; Verna and Prince remained good friends and shared the joy of their children.

In 1971, Verna began her career with the Commercial Bank and Trust Company. Starting as a teller at the drive-in, she thrived in several areas, becoming the Customer Accounting Supervisor and Drive-in Manager. Verna was promoted to Operations Officer in 1983. Commercial Bank and Trust would later transition to Bank of America, and after 31 years of faithful service, Verna retired.

Verna attended Connors State College graduating with an Associate of Science. She attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma graduating with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration and Management May of 1979. Verna also completed the American Institute of Banking course.

As a faithful member of the New Zion Baptist Church, Verna served as a Youth Sunday School teacher and was also a member of the choir. While at Amos Chapel and Bebee CME church, she served as Youth Choir Director. Verna had a special love for God and God's children.

In 1997 Verna was united in matrimony to Jessie C. Palmer (JC). Verna and her sons were so thankful to God for bringing JC into her life.  Verna was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She loved her husband and family unconditionally and her husband and family loved her.

She was so proud of her two sons, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, whom were the loves of her life. She was immensely proud to be involved in all the many activities and sporting events that they participated in, often traveling to different states to attend. She was affectionately called "Mama, Grandma, Nana, Nanaw, and Auntie" She will be greatly remembered for her loving and caring spirit.

She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings, Harlean Desmuke , Muriel Desmuke, Austin Brown, Ruby J. Caldwell, and Marlene Rhymes. Great-grandchild, Adam Bracey and Great-Great grandchild, Karter Robinson. Her son Prince E. McJunkins III transitioned home peacefully 7 days after her death. Verna will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those left to cherish her memory and carry on her great legacy include: her husband of twenty-four years, Jesse C. Palmer, her son, Eric J. McJunkins (Linda) and daughter-n-law, Shantel McJunkins, nine grandchildren: Rolonda McJunkins, Erica Bracey(Tramel), Knadia McJunkins, Tiffany Majors(Byron), Crystal Pierce, Janae McJunkins, Prince J. McJunkins, Cherish Thompson, and Journey McJunkins. Six great grandchildren: Briana McJunkins, Jerome McJunkins, Jasmyn McJunkins, TJ Bracey, Zoe Bracey and Gabrielle Majors. Two sisters: Joyce Hornbeak, San Antonio, TX and Teresa Ross, Bellflower, CA. Two best friends: Jeanie Craig and Danetta Brown. A host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends whom will mourn her passing.

A PRIVATE Home Going Celebration will be conducted, Friday, Feb. 19, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in Oasis Church, 800 W. Peak Blvd.  Muskogee,OK with her pastor, Rev. Gary Mitchum, of New Zion Baptist Church, eulogizing.  Interment will follow in Booker T. Washington cemetery.

FUNERAL SERVICES streamed (Facebook Live)  Spiritual Sister

FUNERAL SERVICES streamed (Facebook Live)  Oasis Church

PUBLIC VISITATION will be observed, Thursday, Feb. 18th in the Precious Memories Chapel/House of Winn Funeral Home-Muskogee, during the hours of 1:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. MASKS WEARING MANDATORY AT THIS SERVICE .

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home-Muskogee.