Brenda Stephanie Palmer

UTICA – Brenda Stephanie Palmer, age 34, passed into the arms of her Lord on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving family, who cared for her tenderly until her final moments. Born in New Hartford on June 18, 1991, Brenda was the beloved daughter of Belinda B. Robinson and the late Kevin L. Palmer Sr. She completed her high school education through The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter on Arnold Avenue—an environment she deeply enjoyed and thrived in. Stephanie’s greatest joy in life was her treasured son, Aiden Anthony Palmer. From the moment he was born, he was the center of her world, and every moment they shared was a gift she cherished deeply. As a nurturing and devoted mother, Brenda poured her heart into raising Aiden with unwavering love. She instilled in him the enduring values of kindness, compassion, and respect—principles she lived by and hoped he would carry forward. This legacy of love and integrity remains her most profound gift to her only son. Stephanie shared a deep and unbreakable bond with her mother, Belinda, who was her constant source of strength, love, and unwavering support along with her long-time father figure and co-parent, Derrick (Jasmine) George. To Belinda, Stephanie was not just a daughter, she was her baby girl. Her relationship with her sister, Dominique, was another blessing. Bound not only by sisterhood but also by the shared challenge of living with sickle cell disease. They leaned on each other for strength, understanding each other in ways few others could. Whether spending time together or simply being present for one another, their bond was a beautiful testament to the power of love, empathy, and shared experience. Stephanie also enjoyed time with her two brothers, Daquan, and Joseph. Before Aiden was born she took “Baby Joe” with her everywhere she went and always playfully argued with her brother “Booka.” Brenda’s entire family cared for and loved her every moment of her life. A true warrior at heart, she acknowledged her pain and faced her challenges with courage and grace. Her strength and personality prevailed through her illness, and everyone admired her for that. She had a look which was expressive of exactly how she truly felt. She was the kind of mother who always wanted to please her son, especially when it came to food. Fried chicken and baked beans were among his favorites. When his mother was unable, his Grandma could often be counted on to fulfill his cravings. Stephanie found endless laughter and joy in the unique humor of Tyler Perry’s shows and movies—especially the unforgettable Madea, who never failed to bring a smile to her face. She also had a love for shopping, though her purchases were rarely for herself. Her heart was always centered on Aiden, and she shopped with his needs and desires in mind, a reflection of her selfless love as a mother. Yearly barbecues and weekly dinners brought everyone together for great food, good company, and endless memories. Her late grandfather, John Robinson, Jr., and her late stepfather, Joseph Adams Sr., were the master chefs. Brenda treasured those memories and the cherished traditions of days past. When she could, attending church on Sundays was how Brenda renewed her spirit for the week ahead. She prayed to the Lord for strength and hope to carry her through the pain she endured. In her earlier years, she was a member of St. James A.M.E. Church. More recently, she attended Greater Grace Church of Utica and Agape Ministries, where she found deep solace and peace in God’s presence. Stephanie is survived by her mother, Belinda Robinson; son, Aiden Anthony Palmer; sister, Dominique Robinson; brothers, Daquan Brown, and Joseph Adams Jr.; half-siblings, Kevin Palmer Jr., Shaquana Palmer, and Leah Burgess-Forman; nephews, Dashawn, and Damion Robinson; niece, Deja Robinson; and a host of other nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles, Stephen Palmer, DeVana (Peter Jr.) O’Garro, Brenda J. Robinson, Jennifer (Derrick) Crook-Graham, Antoinette “Pumpkin” Bailey with whom she spoke often, Donna “Candy” Patterson, Yolanda Robinson, Theora Presley, and Denise Young; and some close cousins, Shakima (Kima) Atkinson, Shanice Hamilton, Pedra O’Garro, Justine Crook, Shante Mitchell (Charles Boyd), Crystal Robinson, Ebony Robinson, Shawna Robinson, Little Gil Robinson Jr., Jessica Robinson, and Shera Robinson and many more cousins. She was blessed with longtime friends, Jennifer, Nicole, Kim, Michelle (her goddaughter Jazzie’s mother), Danielle, Melissa, Ashley, and Nikanya. She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, John Jr. and Estell (Simmons) Robinson. The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staffs of the Sister Rose Vincent Family Medicine Center, especially Unit 3A, the Slocum-Dickson Medical Group, and the ICU at Wynn Hospital for their collective care and compassion Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Stephanie’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81094534611. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Brenda Stephanie Palmer

June 18, 1991 - August 20, 2025