Phyllis Jane Smith

Phyllis was born on April 23, 1941, in Tipton, Indiana, and lived a life marked by resilience and quiet strength. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother known for her steady presence, and her deep love for family.

Throughout her life, Phyllis found joy in caring for her flower garden and indoor plants, reading, doing crossword puzzles, watching game shows especially “Wheel of Fortune,” doing word searches, researching her family genealogy, sewing or making peanut butter blossoms and chocolate fudge. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Her legacy is one of kindness, grace, and selfless love.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Frederick A. Smith Jr.; step-daughter, Carolyn Smith; step-son, Russell Smith; niece, Patricia Barnes, a brother, several sisters, half sisters and an infant son.

She is survived by her sisters Norma (Judy, Craig) Essig, and Janice (Sherri, Chris) Simmons, and brother in law Rufus Baldwin their sons & daughters; Niece, Nancy (Terry) Pritchard; Sons, Robert Burns (Beth), and Ronald Burns; step-son, Frederick Smith; daughters, Allison Briggs (Peter) and Teresa Walters; grandchildren, Benjamin (Erin), Patrick, William (Staci), Hannah (Luke), Caleb, Ruthanne (John), Jesse (Scoti), Nicole (Paul), Curtis, Josh (Lauren), Carolyn Jane: great-grandchildren Gavin, Axel, Essence, Levi, Xavier, Sophie, Greyson, Victoria, Ethan, Alice, Leon, Evelyn, and Eleanor. Her family will forever hold her memory close.

A private graveside service for immediate family will be held September 6, 2025 at 3 pm at Parklawn-Wood Cemetery, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666. Flowers can be sent to the same address. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Union Mission Ministries, 5100 East Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502 in Phyllis’s memory—reflecting her generous heart and lifelong care for others.