Helen Roberta Burks Palmateer, 80, Of Apopka, Florida, died suddenly, but peacefully at home on May, 27, 2019 of natural causes.
Helen was the eighth of seventeen children born to George W. and Mary Cecelia Burks in Louisville, Kentucky on July 27, 1938. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sisters; Marie Martin, Charlotte Sebastian, Beverly Brown, Judy Burks Sebastian, Lola Hall, Martina Webber, Brothers; Dan Burks, Joe Burks, Kenny Burks, Freddy Burks, Benny Burks, Paul Burks and Gary Burks. Surviving siblings are Diane Richardson, Betty Lawson, and Richard Burks. Helen was also preceded in death by her second husband Donald W. Palmateer. Their surviving step children are Diane Chos, Michelle Rippee, Vicki Tanney, Monica Tanney, and Tim Palmateer in Michigan. She leaves behind her four children; Teresa Johnson, Tina Grissom, Keith Fields, and Prescillia Cornell all of Florida. Also her life partner; Ray Grissom and his two sons; Silas and Junior Grissom. She also leaves nine grandchildren, twenty two great-grandchildren, and a lot of nieces and nephews.
Helen grew up in Kentucky but spent most of her life in Florida. Her earlier years were hard working with various jobs within the hotel and food service industry sometimes working as many as three jobs to provide for her four children. Later after age 62, she retired but didn't slow down as she settled in to her last position as homemaker and care giver.
She was saved in the Baptist church on two occasions and remained Christian throughout her life. She instilled her belief with her children and family that will continue to carry on throughout their lives.
Helen will be greatly missed by her family as their great Matriarch that always kept the sprawling family together and arranged the big holiday gatherings where everyone had to take a plate home with them.
In remembrance of Helen, please light a candle or share a memory and photos to her page here at DeGusipe Funeral Home. Following cremation, a celebration of life will be arranged at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the homeless or a charity of your choice.