Dear Editor,
Russell M. Nelson, prophet and president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the age of 101.
More than 4,000 members of the church in the middle Georgia area, as well as 17.5 million members worldwide, mourn his passing.
Whitney Palmer is the president of the Macon Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presiding over congregations in Macon, Warner Robins, Perry, Gray, Milledgeville, Dublin and Cochran. He has issued the following statement regarding the passing of President Nelson: “With deep love and respect, we join with millions worldwide in mourning the passing of President Russell M. Nelson, President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Nelson’s life reflected consecrated service, both in his professional accomplishments and in his decades of Church leadership. As president of the church, he emphasized the centrality of Jesus Christ, invited us to gather Israel, and ministered personally to people across the globe.
President Nelson’s example of kindness, clarity, and courage has shaped how I strive to serve the members of our church in Central Georgia. I felt his prophetic voice call to draw me closer to the Savior, Jesus Christ. Though we mourn his passing, we rejoice in his testimony and his life. Above all, we give thanks that God continues to call prophets today out of His love for us.”
Sincerely, Whitney Palmer Macon Stake President