Cyrus Lee Palmer, Sr.

Cyrus Lee Palmer, Sr. was born on June 29, 1940 in Calhoun County South Carolina to the late Alphonia and Katherleen "Letha" Palmer. Cyrus Lee was the eldest of 12 children. He departed this life on Saturday, March 22, 2014. Lee, as he is more commonly known as, was educated in the South Carolina Public School System. As a young man he discovered his love of cooking while taking care of his younger siblings. At the age of 17, he left South Carolina and headed to Washington, DC. While in DC, Lee worked for the District of Columbia Sanitation Company as he pursued a career in cooking. In 1970, he began working at The Pick Lee House as a Chef before being promoted to Executive Chef. Lee's professional cooking career expanded over 40 years. He's worked for several prominent companies such as the Marriott Corporation for over 22 years, Andrews Air Force Base (MD), Hilton and etc. before retiring due to his health. Lee loved to cook to for family, friends and celebrities. He often reminisced on how he prepared meals for R&B singer Patti Labelle, Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan and other dignitaries throughout his career. Lee was a loving husband, father and friend. He also looked forward to spending time with his family and friends when they visited. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. Lee was preceded in death by three brothers; one sister; and son Charles A. Palmer. He is survived by his loving wife Gertrude D. Palmer, his loving children Cyrus L. Palmer, Jr., Ernest A. Palmer (Kathleen), Kelvin L. Wilson, Tawanna Harley, and Dennine T. Queen (Walter). In addition to his children to cherish his memories he leaves behind four sisters, two brothers, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, his Aunt Dell Hopkins, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.