Martha Palmer
Smith
September 18, 1937 - January 25, 2025
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.
Visitation
January 28, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Visitation
Williams Funeral Home, 1950 Helton Drive, Florence, AL, USA
January 28, 2025 11:00 am
Get DirectionsFuneral
January 28, 2025
12:00 pm
Funeral
Williams Funeral Home, 1950 Helton Drive, Florence, AL, USA
January 28, 2025 12:00 pm
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5 Comments on “Martha Palmer Smith”
The Herston family loved aunt Martha very much!!
Our prayers are with all of her beloved family.
Sam & Deb Herston
We loved our Aunt Martha so very much. She was the matriarch of the family and when you needed someone to talk to she was always there. We had so many good talks over these last years when she couldn’t get out and about as much. I will miss her infectious laugh and great big smile that greeted us all when we saw her. Gone but forever in our hearts. Rendie ( Daenda Mitchell) and family ❤️
Aunt Martha was like a walking beam of sunshine. Her smile, her laugh, and especially her hugs were the best ♡ She always made you feel special and loved. Love yall.. im so sorry for your loss, I know you will miss her.. But her example of love that she lived, this is a true representarion of a life well lived, she leaves behind a beautiful legacy ♡
I am so sorry to hear of Ms. Martha’s passing. I have so many memories of her and Valley Federal. Praying for you in this time.
Dear Smith family,
I’m sorry to read of your loved one’s passing, and may all find comfort in our Lord’s word during this time of sadness.
In John 11:23-26, “Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”.
The above scripture is a wonderful promise from our Lord Jesus, and those who have passed on are now in the care of our Lord God, who has shown his love for us through his Beloved Son.
Rest in peace, dear sister; your reward is waiting.
God’s continued blessings be upon you all.