Hilda Grey Hudson Palmer

Hilda Grey Hudson Palmer, age 95, of Waynesville, NC passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025 surrounded by her family. Hilda was born in Johnston County, NC on February 7, 1930 to the late John Casper and Clyda Belle Dunn Hudson.

Hilda served our country honorably in the U.S. Army. During her military service she met her husband Charles Judson Palmer who was in the U.S. Air Force. They traveled to many places throughout his career prior to retiring back to Haywood County. She later worked and retired from Haywood County Social Services. She was a longtime member of Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church where she served in tape ministry, women's ministry, several mission projects, sang in the choir, and took care of communion and all floral arrangements in the church. She had a great love of the outdoors especially when it involved her family connection to Cataloochee Valley. She was a master at gardening, painting, cooking, basket weaving, wood carving, amongst several other artistic endeavors. She had a great passion for nature especially birds, monarch butterflies and wildflowers.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Judson Palmer; son, Charles Judson Palmer, Jr., daughter in law, Judy Guice Palmer; one brother and three sisters.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughters, Wanda (Brent) Palmer Burgess and Belinda (Edwin) Palmer Ferguson; brother, Leon (Grace) Hudson; seven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 PM Monday, March 10, 2025 at Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Monday from 1 to 2 PM at the church. Burial will follow services at Maple Grove Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be CJ Palmer, Cheston Palmer, Marcus Taylor, Ryan Roberts, Bryce Burgess, and Chase Palmer.

In lieu of flowers, love offerings may be made in her honor to Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church, 98 Elizabeth Chapel Road, Waynesville, NC 28786.

Garrett Funeral Home is caring for the Palmer family. A message of comfort may be made to the family at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com