Norma Palmer

Mrs. Norma (Sligh, Sanders) Palmer

Long-time Dalton resident passed away peacefully on December 1, 2015.

Norma came from multiple generations of Texan ranchers that included Texas Rangers and even one relative that died at the Alamo. Born October 31st, 1926, during the dust bowl days, Norma was a true daughter of Texas - though she was actually born across the state line in New Mexico, her parents having gone there to pick cotton to help raise money during the dust bowl days. The first of five children of Milton and Ida Bessie Harris, Norma grew up on the sprawling Harris Ranch near Ballinger, TX on the Colorado River. She later attended Hardin-Simmons College in Abilene, Texas studying nursing where she met and married her first husband, Garland Sligh in 1947. They had three children Connie, Michael and Beverly. The family moved to Dalton during the height of the textile boom in 1965.

As a co-owner Norma opened one of the first gourmet Food stores in the area, the Pantry Shelf, in 1971, after which she served as the Director of the American Cancer Society for North Georgia. She was a member of St. Marks’ Episcopal Church for over 50 years and was active member of the alter guild. Mrs. Palmer received a Lay Minister Title from The University of the South at Suwanee and was a founding member and president of the local Herb Society.

In 1985 Vance Sanders, a longtime family acquaintance from Texas, and Norma were wed. They were very active at St. Mark’s and involved in the community and enjoyed traveling and spending time together with friends and family. They were married until Vance’s death in January, 2002.

Norma and William (Bill) Palmer, a WWII veteran and engineer from Shelbyville, TN. were married in 2004 and until his passing in 2009 the couple pursued and enjoyed a vibrant and active retirement.

She is survived by one sister, June Koch of Ballinger, Texas, three children, Connie Weathers of Chattanooga, TN, Michael Sligh of Chapel Hill, NC, and Beverly Thurmond of Rome, GA, three grandchildren, Emily Thurmond, David Sligh and Jessie Sligh and two great grandchildren, Jacob and Hailey Sligh, as well as numerous step-children, grand-step-children, nephews and nieces. Norma survived three siblings – Elwood Harris, Susie Cotton and Glenda Smith, three World War Two Veterans and the Great Depression.

Norma leaves a rich legacy of her deep spiritual faith, a strong commitment to family and friends and a great love for life. She especially loved playing bridge, gardening, spending time and celebrating life events with her family, at her church and in her community. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

The celebration of her life will be at St. Marks, Episcopal Church at 2pm on December 12th. The Reverends V. Beth Royalty and C. Dean Taylor will be officiating the service. There will be a reception following the service in the church parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society, 200 West Emery St., Suite 3, Dalton, GA 30720 or Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, 901 W. Emery St..

Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.lovefuneralhomega.com.

Love Funeral Home, 1402 N. Thornton Ave., Dalton (across from Hamilton Medical Center) is in charge of arrangements.