Two recent Jones County High School graduates are preparing to spend the next chapter of their lives serving others across the globe, guided by their faith and a shared commitment to spreading the gospel.
Lilly Palmer and Tyler Marshall, both members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will leave home this summer to begin missionary service in different parts of the world. Palmer leaves on Sept. 23 to serve for 18 months in Salto, Uruguay, while Marshall leaves on June 24 to spend two years in Germany.
Excitement and anticipation surround both graduates as they prepare for experiences that will take them far from home and into unfamiliar places.
“I’ve known my entire life I would go on a mission. I’ve been anticipating this for a while,” Marshall said.
He said his decision has always been rooted in a desire to serve others and strengthen his faith.
“When I am there, I really just want to be as kind and Christlike to people as much as possible. That’s really my whole idea, to help people out as much as I can. I hope it will help me, too, so I can grow closer to Jesus,” he said.
Palmer described a similar sense of purpose that grew stronger over time.
“Growing up and in high school, I didn’t really think I would serve a mission. It was in the back of my mind. Then when the age for young women was changed from 19 to 18, it just seemed to fit perfectly. I remember when I found out, I came down from my room screaming, ‘Oh my goodness, this is amazing.’ I decided to turn in my mission papers pretty much that day,” she said.
Mission assignments are determined after an application process that includes detailed health and background information, Palmer shared. Applicants receive a letter explaining their assignment and the purpose of their service.
“We don’t get to decide where we go. You send in your papers, and about two weeks later, they send you a letter. It explains the mission’s purpose, which is to invite others to Christ, and at the end, it tells you where you will serve,” she said. Both Palmer and Marshall will begin their journeys with time in mission training centers. Marshall’s will be in Preston, England.
“I’ll be there about a month, maybe a little longer. I will learn how to greet people, teach the gospel, and speak German,” Marshall said.
Palmer will complete an initial week of training online before traveling to a Mission Training Center in Mexico, where she will study Spanish and gospel principles.
Missionary life follows a structured daily routine centered on study, service, and teaching.
“We will be studying scriptures, like our Bible and the Book of Mormon. Then, we will go out and teach people. That is pretty much the whole schedule,” Marshall said.
He added that missionaries also have a preparation day each week to take care of personal needs and explore the area.
Palmer said her work in Uruguay will focus on building connections and guiding others in their faith.
“You find people, you teach them, and if they want another lesson, you follow up. Hopefully, they come to church and make covenants with God to grow closer to Him,” she said.
Both graduates expressed a shared goal of helping others while also growing in their own faith.
“I hope to bring others unto Jesus Christ and show them the gospel,” Marshall said.
“My whole life I’ve had a testimony of Jesus Christ. It grows more every day. The joy of the gospel is so wonderful, and being able to share that with people is such a wonderful opportunity,” Palmer said.
She added that she is looking forward to the relationships she will build and the personal growth that will come with the experience.
“I hope they feel His love and want to come closer to Him. I think I will learn to love people in a greater way, even people I may not know. Their faith will strengthen mine,” she said.
Family support has played a central role in both missionaries’ journeys.
“Sending a child on a mission is a bittersweet milestone, but we are thrilled for Tyler as he heads to Germany. This is a beautiful opportunity for him to step outside his comfort zone, learn a new language, and serve a community with all his heart. Our prayers and love go with him,” Bryan and Aubrey Marshall said.
Palmer’s family echoed similar pride and faith in her decision.
“Lilly has always had a special light about her and a deep love for others. While it is difficult to see our daughter leave home, we have complete faith that the Lord will guide, protect, and strengthen her,” Whitney and Amarillis Palmer said.
Her siblings also reflected on her character and the example she sets.
“Lilly is one of the most resilient and determined people I know, and her spirit shines so bright,” Dean and Emily Palmer said.
“She works hard and loves harder. Uruguay is getting the best,” her sister Sariah Palmer said.
“Lilly has always brought the spirit wherever she is and has always been one to serve others,” Ysabel Palmer said.
“Lilly brings everything back to Jesus Christ. I am so grateful to have someone like her to look up to,” her little sister Phoebe Palmer said.
Both Palmer and Marshall come from families with strong missionary backgrounds. Palmer’s father and siblings have served missions in Brazil, and Marshall’s father and brother have also completed missions.
Both said seeing those examples firsthand strengthened their commitment.
“When Dean and Sariah came back, you could see the light of Christ in them. Seeing their love for other people grow was so amazing,” Palmer said.
“My dad and my brother both went. That definitely had an influence on me and helped me get excited about going,” he said.
As departure dates approach, both graduates are preparing for the challenge of being away from home for an extended time.
“I feel both very excited and nervous. I know it’s going to be hard, but I think it will be a great thing. I’m going to learn so much and hopefully help others,” Palmer said.
Marshall expressed confidence heading into the experience.
“I am excited and not too worried,” he said.
Life after their missions remains open, though both have plans to continue their education. Palmer is considering studying business and returning to her work as an assistant project manager, while Marshall hopes to attend Brigham Young University and pursue a business- related field.
“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans, as The Beatles song says. I feel like I have a plan, but plans are always changing. Right now, I want to come home, work, and go to school,” Palmer said.
As both graduates prepare to leave, their focus remains on service, faith, and the opportunity to make a difference.
“We are looking for whoever needs help and our service,” Palmer said.
“I just want to help people as much as I can,” Marshall said.
