Martha, always known to family and friends as Lavenia, was born to Ruth and Sanford Palmer in Covington County, Alabama on September 23, 1925. She left this life on the morning of August 2, 2021, just short of her 96th birthday.
She was predeceased by husband, Jack E. Clower, Sr.; son, Jack E. (Ed or Eddie) Clower, Jr. and brother, Sanford D. Palmer. She is survived by sister, Frances Ptomey*; son, David A. Clower; grandchildren, Jennifer Groover, William D. Clower and Amy Clower-Pederson. Several great grandchildren also survive.
She attended Andalusia (Alabama) High School and left before graduating. She married Jack, Sr. on January 3, 1942 in Milton, Florida and soon began a life as an Air Force Pilot's Wife, living in many ordinary and exotic locations. With two young sons in tow, she crossed the Atlantic by ship in 1956 to join Jack, stationed at Dreux Air Force Base, France. The family lived in off base housing in Senonche, France for three years.
Later, while living in Smyrna, Tennessee (Stewart AFB), she enrolled at Middle Tennessee State College, in Murfreesboro, majoring in English with a minor in French. She graduated with honors in 1965.
She also learned to read music as an adult and played the piano. She also enjoyed bowling and tennis and became a Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League.
After Jack retired from the Air Force, they made their last permanent move to Marietta, Georgia where Jack was employed as a Pilot by Lockheed Corporation. Later, she and Jack spent a year in Tripoli, Labya, where Jack was a training pilot for the Libyan Government.
After being widowed, Lavenia enjoyed a rich life with friends and family. She continued playing bridge, playing piano, traveling and socializing for many years.
Inurnment took place on Lavenia's 96th birthday, September 23, 2021, at Georgia Memorial Park Cemetery.
*On September 7, Lavenia's sister, Frances Palmer Ptomey, passed away. She was almost 2 years younger. She died in a hospital in Florala, Alabama, not far from here adult lifetime home in Andalusia, Alabama.