NATCHEZ — Natchez is mourning the loss of a dear friend.

Early Friday morning, Dr. Lynn Palmer, a local emergency room doctor died of bacterial septicemia. Palmer, 51, did more in her life than many people in their 90s could not fathom.

She received her bachelor’s degree in education and science, a master’s in zoology, was published upon graduating from graduate school, worked on a kidney fellowship in dialysis and then graduated from LSU medical school.

“Lynn’s most prominent degree in her office is her teaching certificate,” husband Marshall Hawkins said. “She thought of herself as a teacher first and a doctor second.”

She became a staple in the community as a caring and involved doctor.

“She is a doctor that treated her patient and not just the disease or illness,” Hawkins said.

But, practicing medicine was one of literally a hundred things Palmer enjoyed doing. Her hobbies included cooking for family and friends, having a successful business as a cheese artisan, being an artist — even designing and creating wedding rings — being a staunch advocate of the Natchez Children’s Home and the Humane Society, acting as a mother to many and working with horses and her church.

Palmer took various trips to Peru where she offered medical care to children. Hawkins, as well as others thought her to be near perfect.

“The French have an expression known as ‘savoir faire,’ it loosely translates to ‘knowing the right thing to do,” Hawkins said. “Lynn not only knew the right thing to do, but she did them, and often.”

Palmer was a “go-getter” and the lasting marks she has left on the community will not be forgotten.

“You can pick any name in the phone book and that person will have good things to say about Dr. Palmer,” Hawkins said.