Bryte Smart Palmer, 78, passed away March 17, 2014.  In addition to her husband, William Ben Palmer, Sr, she is survived by her daughter, Crystal Palmer-Uno (husband, Gordon); her son, William Ben Palmer, Jr, all of Jacksonville, FL; her brother Calvin Smart (wife, Frances) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and two grandchildren in Florida, Benjamin Abdulnour (wife, Shebani) and Kelly Abdulnour.  She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Smart Ledford.

Born to Carl Smart and Ethel Canipe Smart in Cleveland County, she and Ben moved to the Virginia Beach area on their honeymoon in 1955.  A loving mother and devoted wife, Bryte retired from a 30+ year career as a property manager in 2001 at which time she and Ben returned to Shelby.

Bryte had a “green thumb” and could make any plant thrive.  She loved gardening in the summertime and took great pride in her beefsteak tomatoes.   She also grew her own cucumbers and canned the best sweet and tangy pickles this side of anywhere.

Visitation: The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at

Funeral services will be at 2:00pm on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at Oak Grove United Methodist Church.  The Rev. Lue Vang will be officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00pm prior to the service at the church. 

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Palmer.