Phyllis Smith Lawrence

Phyllis Smith Lawrence, age 82, of Richmond, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2015. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred William Smith and Lois Esther Russell Smith; her beloved husband of 51 years Graham Arlington Lawrence, and her brother Jerry Malcolm Smith.

Phyllis is survived by her two daughters, Cheryl Lynn Lawrence Fockler and her husband, Jack Edwin Fockler, Jr., and Susan Arlington Lawrence Cox and her husband, Darin Rudolph Cox. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Morgan Lawrence Mistr, Austin Lawrence Fockler, Holden Davis Fockler, and Brent Harrison Mistr; a step grandson, Andrew Blake Fockler and his wife, Carrie Johnson Fockler; two great grandchildren; Carly Madison Fockler and Corbin Blake Fockler, a step grandson Tayler Rudolph Cox, a step granddaughter Alyssa Marie Cox, and a brother Fred Arlen Smith and numerous nieces

and nephews.

She graduated from John Marshall High School in 1948. Phyllis was a longtime employee of Gayle S Mann, Jr. and Company; she began her career at Richmond City Hall after High School. She was a founding member of Skipwith Baptist Church, founding member of Cavalier Park Garden Club, member of Jobs Daughters International and named Miss Red Feather by Richmond Community Chest. Phyllis was a gifted seamstress and singer and enjoyed collecting coins, stamps, and baseball cards. She was an avid fan and supporter of the American Legion baseball program as well as the Richmond Braves, Atlanta Braves, Washington Redskins, and more recently the Seattle Seahawks.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 Parham Road. Graveside services will be held at Westhampton Memorial Park on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Skipwith Baptist Church, 1900 Skipwith Rd., Richmond, Va. 23229.