Obituary of Danise A. Palmer-Nelson

Danise Ann Palmer-Nelson, 57, was called home to the Lord on February 11, 2011, after her valiant battle with breast cancer. Danise was welcomed into the world on February 28, 1953 at Harlem Hospital to Gloria Louise Atkinson and the late John Huntley Palmer of Jamaica, W.I. She was raised in Brooklyn, New York with her four siblings and lived there for most of her adult life until she settled in Maplewood, New Jersey 14 years ago. Danise graduated from Delehanty High School and attended Medgar Evers College. Early in her career she worked for United Cerebral Palsy and Planned Parenthood of New York. Sub-sequently, she worked at the Angel Guardian Home where she served hundreds of children and families in the foster care system for over 23 years. Her professional career concluded at MercyFirst in Brooklyn. Danise was a champion for the victims of domestic violence and, in that connection, she worked for Safe Horizon/Victim Services and also volunteered for the Maplewood-South Orange Domestic Violence Response Team. Danise had a pure heart of gold and unselfishly put the needs of others before her own. She graced us with her kind, caring and gentle spirit. She was blessed with wit, style, humor, compassion and generosity. She loved and enjoyed life, her family and friends. Danise had a zeal for African and Caribbean art and culture, dancing and the Island of Jamaica. Danise devoted her life to improving the lives of others, possessed an unwavering faith and became an associate member of the Sisters of Mercy. Danise's spirit is now free and at peace. She will be forever remembered by her loving mother, Gloria Palmer; her beloved husband; Trey Nelson; her esteemed daughter, Monique Bean; her devoted son, Andre Bean; cherished sisters Joan Palmer and Glynis Langley; special brothers Huntley Palmer and Deryck Palmer; her compassionate sister-in-law, Carmen Lawrence; caring nieces Tazmya, Kia and Rachel; dearest nephews Ivan and Grant; her attentive aunt Elaine Atkinson and supportive uncles, Kenneth, Vincent, Audley and Bruce Atkinson; precious God-children, Juanita Rivera, Marika Francis and Edwin Grimsley; her former spouse Milford Bean; and an abundance of adoring cousins, friends and colleagues. The public viewing for family and friends will be held on Saturday, February 19, from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Preston Funeral Home - 153 South Orange Avenue - South Orange, NJ 07079. A Funeral Service will be held immediately thereafter at 4:00 p.m., also at Preston Funeral Home. Family will greet relatives and friends from 5:00 pm. - 8:00 p.m., with a celebration of Danise's life to follow the viewing and funeral service at the home of Danise's brother and sister-in-law in Maplewood. For on line condolences and information, visit: www.prestonfuneralhome.net In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Sisters of Mercy of New Jersey/ 1645 US Highway 22/ Watchung, NJ 07069-6501/ 908-756-0994 or CancerCare National Office/ 275 7th Avenue/ New York, NY 10001/ 212-712-8400