Alberta Palmer

Alberta (Brown) Palmer "Bert," age 72, of Niceville, Florida, passed away on November 8, 2024. She was born on November 29, 1951, to the late Reverend James S. Brown, Sr. and Ethel Mae (Coleman) Brown in Pulaski, Tennessee, where she spent her formative years.
Alberta attended Pearl High School and, after graduation, enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1970. Her highest rank achieved was Master Sergeant (MSgt).
From basic training at Lackland Air Force Base Texas, she was assigned to Keesler AFB Mississippi, where she graduated from the Air Traffic Control (ATC) Technical Training Center. Her first assignment was Travis AFB California, where she was certified as a Control Tower Operator. She was then assigned to Hamilton AFB CA as a Control Tower Operator. Alberta was then stationed at Spangdahlem AFB Germany in the Control Tower. She was certified in the Radar Approach Control (RAPCON) Facility, a Level III, which signifies one of the busiest and largest ATC operations. Alberta was then assigned to another Level III RAPCON at Laughlin AFB TX. She received her supervisory/management certification (or 7 Skill Level) and became Watch Supervisor, and Crew Chief certified. She attended Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership School, where she graduated with the Commandants Award. Alberta also met her husband, MSgt Craig B. Palmer, whom also was an Air Traffic Controller in the RAPCON Facility. Laughlin AFB was her most rewarding assignment, where she met both her husband and Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
In 1981, she was stationed at Columbus AFB MS, where she performed Watch Supervisor duties in the Level III RAPCON. In 1983, she retrained into the Maintenance Systems Analyst career field. Alberta obtained her 7 Skill Level and began managing the Analysis Office for the Deputy Commander of Maintenance at the 51 Flight Test Wing. She was then stationed to Eglin AFB Florida in 1987, where she worked for the Headquarters USAF Tactical Air Warfare Center (TAWC) as an Electronic Warfare Systems Analyst. Her next assignment was to Osan Air Base Korea, and then returned to the Headquarters USAF TAWC Eglin AFB FL, where she retired after twenty years active service with honors.
Alberta's military career was marked by numerous decorations and awards, including the Air Force Meritorious Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC)), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (one Device), Air Force Good Conduct Medal (five OLC), National Defense Service Medal (one Bronze Star), Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon (four OLC), NCO Professional Military Education Graduation Ribbon (one OLC) and the Air Force Training Ribbon.
After retiring from the Air Force, Alberta devoted four years to educating young minds at Rocky Bayou Christian School. Returning to the military as a civil servant, she excelled in commissary sales and financial accounting. She ultimately served as a resource advisor at Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field FL, as a budget analyst.
She earned an associate's degree from the Community College of the Air Force, a Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology from Saint Leo University, and a Master's of Science in Psychology from Troy University.
Throughout her professional and academic pursuits, Alberta remained actively involved in her church, serving as a Sunday School teacher and Deaconess. She also participated in mission trips to both India and Hawaii.
Alberta had a zest for life, enjoying hobbies such as playing cards, traveling, watching tennis, tending to her garden, entertaining, decorating, visiting casinos, and spending cherished moments with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Lula Mae and Laura Emma; brother, James; uncle, George; aunt, Earline; and her beloved daughter, Charity Noel.
Alberta is survived by her loving husband, Craig; son Omar; daughters, Natalie and Candace; granddaughter, Charity Serenity; grandsons, David Ethan and Luca Joseph; great grandson, Elijah Jay; sister, Tommie; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and close friends, whom will forever hold her memory dear.