October 21, 1929-May 6, 2026
Phyllis B. Smith was carried safely into the arms of Jesus at her heavenly home on May 6, 2026. She was born in North East, PA on October 21, 1929.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Wesley E. Smith (having been married 66 years and seven months). She is survived by their two daughters, Beverly (James) Frueh & Lorrie (Stephen) Larson; six grandchildren, Sarah (Paul) Anderson, Lisa (Mark) Ellison, Joseph (Jenny) Larson, David (Amber) Frueh, Matthew Larson, & Daniel Larson; twelve great-grandchildren, Michael (Karlie), MaryJane, Sammi, & Benjamin Anderson, Olena & Elijah Ellison, Blake, Nathaniel, & Dylan Larson, and Elise, Aurora & Jax Larson; and one great great-granddaughter, Oaklynn Anderson.
Phyllis loved doing anything she could for her Lord and Savior, including running a home with nine bedrooms and offering two meals a day for ten days during Camp Meeting time in Eaton Rapids during the 1990’s.
She would post encouraging words, verses and hymns on Email every day and participated in most all the activities and programs at Rest Haven Homes during her years there. She dearly loved it there, making many friends along the way. She had a gift of remembering names and always tried to call a person by their name.
She also did a lot of crochet work, making afghans for many family members, friends, relatives and new babies. She also gave away many scarves to those who needed them. To pass the time she often played Word Games to keep her mind active. Relationships were important to her, especially with her Lord. She lived in eight different States (New York, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Maryland, Florida, California and Michigan) and worked in four of them doing office work. She also loved singing in various choirs for a good share of her life. She will be remembered by her love of family, friends and relatives whom she kept in contact with over email for as long as she was able. Her greatest joy in life was when she could see her family members, especially the precious great grandchildren. Her daughters were always faithful visitors.
Phyllis & her husband spent 19 winters in Zephyrhills, Florida at Southern Charm RV Resort where she was called “Smiley” due to the fact she always tried to have a smile for everyone.
She will be buried privately at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek where her husband is buried having spent two years in the Army Signal Corp.
Funeral services will be held at North Park Baptist Church (3365 Coit Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525) on Tuesday, May 12 at 11AM with a visitation starting at 10AM. Condolences may be shared online with Zaagman Memorial Chapel.
Last Updated on May 18, 2026