On June 22, 2022, Phyllis Jean Smith departed for her heavenly home at age 86. Born March 3, 1936, in Ayden, North Carolina, to parents Luther and Olive Stocks.

Phyllis married her college sweetheart, Charles Edward Smith when they attended East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. They made a life for themselves while raising their daughter, Dianna Smith-Keith, who now resides in Tallahassee, Florida, and son, Dana Samuel Smith, who resides in Harwood, Maryland.

They relocated to Harwood, Maryland, after Charles completed his education at the University of Tampa to a long career at Southern High School. Phyllis also made a career of over 25 years in the education system. She moved up the ranks, starting as a school librarian to the principal secretary of Southern High School. Phyllis also worked as a CAT South as Principals' Secretary for years before retirement.

It was her love of reading books and knowledge of the library system at the school that led to one of her most outstanding achievements. Phyllis was instrumental in developing and creating the Christian library at Edgewater Baptist Church. She took a room that was once the pastor's office and built a library that any age could borrow from. She started a crusade to collect, buy, categorize, and manage the library for several years.

Phyllis also had a great passion for showing and raising horses. She developed this love from her daughter, Dianna, who showed horses as a child and as an adult. That was when she fell in love with a pony named Patches. She continued a show ring career with Patches for many years, achieving many championship awards. Phyllis was very involved with The Southern Anne Arundel Pony Club, held at Oakcrest Farms in Harwood, Maryland, helping mentor many of the younger and older equestrians.

Phyllis' greatest passion in life was the love of her savior, Jesus Christ. No matter what city or state Phyllis was in, she found a church to join and instantly made a family within it. The love of so many people created many lasting relationships she held throughout her life. Phyllis was very involved in every activity. She was known as "the organizer" and the one to bring her famous coconut cake! She was truly loved by all who knew her for her generosity and willingness to serve.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her mother, Olive Manning-Stocks. Father, Luther Stocks and brother, James L. Stocks. She is survived by her husband, Charles Edward Smith. Daughter, Dianna Lynn Smith- Keith. Son-in-law, David C. Keith. Son, Dana Samuel Smith and daughter-in-law, Joanne Smith. Grandchildren, John Wesley Fisher, Tina Marie Smith, Laura Elizabeth Smith-Beall, and her husband Thomas E. Beall IV.


Visitation

Thursday, June 30, 2022
6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Rausch Funeral Home-Owings
8325 Mt. Harmony Lane
Owings, MD 20736


Funeral Service

Friday, July 1, 2022
11:00 A.M.
Rausch Funeral Home-Owings
8325 Mt. Harmony Lane
Owings, MD 20736

Interment

Southern Memorial Gardens
10155 Ward Road
Dunkirk, MD 20754