Rhea "Bompy" Vonnesylle Palmer

Shawnee resident, Rhea Vonnesylle “Bompy” Palmer, 88, passed away Monday, January 5, 2026, in Shawnee.

Rhea, the daughter of Lloyd and Ethel (Chambers) Sanders, was born March 24, 1937, in Pearson, Oklahoma. She graduated as valedictorian of the Asher High School class of 1954. Rhea continued her education completing her nursing degree and ultimately achieving her master’s degree in nursing. On August 27, 1954, Rhea married Clinton Palmer; she and Clinton enjoyed 63 years of marriage prior to his passing November 7, 2017. Rhea was very artistic and applied her artistry to arranging flowers and creating t-shirts designs, among other things. Rhea practiced nursing for over 40 years, and for a large portion of that time, she belonged to the American Nurses Association. Rhea was a longtime member of the Avoca Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Ethel Sanders; her husband, Clinton Palmer; a brother, Kenneth Sanders; sisters, Towana Gober and Linda Milburn.

Rhea is survived by her children, Rickey and Barbara Palmer, of Abilene, TX., Greg and Kim Palmer, of Royse City, TX., Mark and Lori Palmer, of Eufaula, OK., and Kirk and Sonya Palmer, of Moore, OK. She leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Family visitation will be Friday, January 9, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., at Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.

Services are Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:00 A.M., at the Avoca Church of Christ, with Bro. JR Smith, and Bro. Chase Palmer, officiating. Interment will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery in Tecumseh. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, in Seminole.