Martha Palmer Smith, age 87 died peacefully at the home of her daughter and went to be with the Lord on January 25, 2025. Martha was born September 18, 1937 in Colbert County Alabama, the daughter of the late Harvey Mahlon Palmer and Jessie Irene Osborn Palmer. Martha was a devout Christian and member of the Florence Blvd Church of Christ.
Martha married Tommy Lee Smith on August 4, 1956. They had a long and happy marriage of 68 years until his death in August of 2024. Martha was a lifelong resident of the Shoals area and was an officer of Valley Federal Savings Bank. Martha began her career as a teller and retired as Vice President/Secretary in 1998. Not wanting to stay at home she went to work for First Southern Bank, doing what she loved, as a Deposit Specialist. Finally retiring in September of 2001. During her time in banking she was also a member of the Civitan Club and Women’s Association of Business where she was at one time elected as Women of the Year.
Martha is survived by her daughter Sandra Smith White (Keith); sister-in-law Peggy Palmer and sister-in-law Loretta Palmer. Martha is also survived by grandchildren, Brian White (Catassa), Carissa Troxell (Michael) and Rachel Karnes (Chris); and three great grandchildren, Cayson Saint and Brayden and Lucas White. Martha truly loved each of these grands and also a number of nieces and nephews that she loved as her own. She was preceded in death by her husband Tommy Lee Smith, a son Tony Lee Smith, a grandchild Joy Lee White, brothers James Palmer, Billy Palmer, Mahlon Palmer, Gerald Palmer, Michael Palmer, Mahlon Bruce Palmer, Hershal Eugene Palmer and Alen Earl Palmer and her sisters Jessie Herston, Mary Crockett and Shirley Wiley. Martha and her family appreciate the visits from Florence Blvd. Church of Christ members and preacher, Austin Johnson and Gentiva Chaplin, Garry Lovette. Heartfelt thanks to Gentiva staff members especially Katelyn, Rita, Shatarie and Calissa for the kind and gentle care they gave Mrs Martha. A special thanks to the staff of Columbia Cottage of Florence while she was a resident prior to moving to her daughter’s home. Visitation will be January 28, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 at Williams Funeral Home in Florence, Alabama with funeral service following in the chapel, Austin Johnson will officiate. Burial will be at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens, Florence Alabama. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.
