Phyllis Marlene Smith

On Saturday, September 9, 2023, Phyllis Marlene (Adams) Smith peacefully made her transition at the age of 81. Born on April 27, 1942, in Xenia, OH, Phyllis was known for her elegance and grace. She attended the historic East High School in Xenia but graduated from the integrated Xenia High School with the class of 1960. Phyllis acquired multiple certifications from Sinclair Community College. Phyllis worked most of her career at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and Systems Research Laboratory (SRL) in Beavercreek, Oh. and later at Wilberforce University.

Phyllis was an active participant in school and was involved in cheerleading, the glee club, and Future Homemakers of America (FHA). In 1969, she was one of the performers with the Young Sophisticates at a variety show at the Bluemoon Ballroom.

Phyllis was a long-time member of Third Baptist Church, where she served as Church

Clerk/Secretary, Administrative Assistant to the Pastor, and was a certified Usher in the National Baptist Convention, USA Inc. Phyllis was a talented and dedicated member of the Celestial Chorus, Mass Choir, Sunday School Teacher, VBS Director and President of the Dorcas Missionary.

Phyllis also served as Past President of the Springfield District Missionary Auxiliary of the Western Union Baptist District Association. In 2013, Phyllis joined Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Sidney, OH, where she sang in the Mass Choir. After a brief move to Florida in 2016, Phyllis returned to Ohio.

Phyllis was a well-loved and respected member of her community. She was an Administrator Extraordinaire who was often called on by churches and organizations across the state of Ohio to plan and prepare their events, services, and programs.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Richard and Iva Nora Adams, her loving husband Sylvanus L. Smith Jr., her brothers Richard and Howard Adams, her sister Mary Alexander, and her daughter Sylvia (Smith) Adams. She is survived by her children Michael (Sylvia) Sweeney of Albuquerque NM, Phillip Sweeney of Hamilton, OH, Damita (David) Wynn of Sidney, OH, Steven (Lisa) Sweeney of Wilmington, OH, Bonita Smith of Centerville, OH, and Steven L. Smith of Clearwater FL, sixteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and a host of other family members and friends who loved and will miss her.

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