Phyllis Louise Smith, age 85, of Texarkana, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 2, 2026. She was born on January 26, 1941, to her wonderful parents, Lida Marie LaMont and Charles Nelson Saylor.
Phyllis was a devoted homemaker and found great joy in her family, in studying the Bible, she enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, and painting amazing landscapes. She had a nurturing heart, which was especially evident through her love of teaching children’s church. She dedicated her life to serving the Lord with all her heart and was a faithful member of Cornerstone Baptist Church, where she was known as a devoted prayer warrior. Phyllis always went above and beyond to help those around her.
Phyllis loved being a swimming instructor and lifeguard in Arizona. She attended the University of Arizona in Flagstaff where she received the honor of being the top math student in the whole state!
Her accomplishments included drawing and designing the plans, then building three homes where she resided with her husband and children.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Melvin Smith, with whom she shared 54 wonderful years of marriage, and by one grandson, SRA Derek Moore.
Left to cherish her beautiful memories are her children: Bill and Deby Smith of Texarkana, Arkansas; Lauri and Phillip Moore of Bald Knob, Arkansas; and Beth and Manford Ferrell of Texarkana, Arkansas; eleven grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the staff of Chambers Hospice for their love and dedication in caring for our mother.
We are also most grateful to the staff at Rose Haven Retreat in Atlanta, Texas, for their devoted and loving care of our mother on a daily basis.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Baptist Orphanage, 5401 East 9th Street, Texarkana, Arkansas 71854 or the charity of your choice.
Funeral services will be held under the direction of Texarkana Arkansas Funeral Home on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. Reverend Dan Jones will officiate. Entombment will follow at Memorial Gardens.