PALMER, Arquilla Elizabeth

Arquilla Elizabeth Palmer was born April 20, 1916 in Eldorado, Arkansas to Carrie Meeks King and Lawson King. Arquilla, who was raised in Malvern, Arkansas, was the second oldest of five siblings, Lawson, Morgan, Lee Bell and Beatrice. All of her siblings preceded her in death. In the late 1930s, Arquilla married Marshall Washington Taylor in Little Rock, Arkansas. One daughter, Marshaline (Marsha) was born to this union. She eventually moved to Detroit, Michigan and in 1940 married the late Roy Wilford Palmer. Arquilla eventually became affectionately known as Little Mama. She worked in the factories during the war years, but her greatest love was cooking. Little Mama became one of the caterers for pilots at Metropolitan Airport outside of Detroit, Michigan, her specialty being corn, okra, and tomatoes. During those days pilots were not allowed to eat the same food as the passengers. Arquilla was an active member of St. Stephen's A.M.E. Church in Detroit, Michigan for many years. She was a member of the Loyal Hearts Club of St. Stephen's, where she served as treasurer for 27 years. She also worked in the Missionary Society and the Retiree Group. Little Mama helped serve hot meals brought to St. Stephen's daily by the City and County to serve the hungry. Arquilla became a widow a 1984 and moved to the Phoenix area in 1988 to live with her daughter and son in law. Little Mama leaves to cherish her memory; her daughter Marsha Pettigrew, son-in-law Earl Pettigrew, three grandchildren, Kenneth Pettigrew, Leslie Williams (Luther) and Lynda Gordon (Gordon), eight great grandchildren, Cynthia Vinson (Rodney), Eric Williams, Kenneth Pettigrew, Jr., Brandon Thomas, Joshua Thomas, Serretta Pettigrew, Dominique Williams and one great, great daughter, Xareja Pettigrew and many nephews, nieces, cousins and many other persons who she made unofficial members of her family along her way. Lil Mama peacefully went to join the Lord on October 22, 2006. Visitation at Tanner Chapel, A.M.E. Church in Phoenix. Graveside service Friday, October 27, 2006, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Avondale, under the direction of Thompson's Valley West Funeral Chapel in Goodyear. Published in The Arizona Republic on 10/25/2006.