Phyllis M Smith

Phyllis Mackie Smith, age 79, of Greenwell Springs, Louisiana, entered fully into the presence of the Lord on April 16, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer. A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.

Phyllis was born on June 14, 1943, to Wade and Selma Mackie in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Phyllis married James Edward (JE) Smith on July 23, 1961. James and Phyllis went on to have two daughters, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Phyllis attended cosmetology school in Baton Rouge and spent a large part of her life as a hairdresser, mostly out of a beauty shop at her home. Phyllis was a prayer warrior, great cook, master gardener, enjoyed traveling, and was an avid quilter. Her strong will to live for her family, unwavering faith in God, and the prayers of family and friends carried her through her cancer journey.

Phyllis had great love and fondness for her church family at Grace Presbyterian Church. Phyllis was a dedicated wife, mother, and granny first and foremost. She treasured her husband, children, and grandchildren. John 16:22 states, “…Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”

Phyllis is survived by her husband of 62 years, James Edward (JE) Smith, two daughters, Pamela Pennington (husband, Bruce Pennington), and Paula Hardoin (husband, James Hardoin), grandchildren Paige Speyrer (husband, Dustin Speyrer), Sara Pennington (fiancé, Don Robin), Alexander and Andrew Hardoin, and great-grandchildren, Preston, Hallie and Lucas Speyrer. She is also survived by her brother, Craven Mackie of Edwardsville, Illinois, sister, Martha Gardner of Lake Oswego, Oregon, and sister-in-law, Barbara Burge Smith, as well as other cousins, nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on April 20, 2023, at Greenoaks Funeral Home located at 9595 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, from 9 am - 11 am, followed by a funeral service at 11 am. Immediately following the funeral, a burial service for family and close friends will take place at Greenoaks Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Bruce Pennington, James Hardoin, Dustin Speyrer, Don Robin, Alexander Hardoin, Andrew Hardoin, and Preston Speyrer.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers may be sent to Greenoaks Funeral Home or memorial donations may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church, 9526 Joor Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70818.