Phyllis Ann Smith

Phyllis Ann Smith, 96, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2026. She was born in Muncie, Indiana on January 13, 1930 to Ralph F. And Loris King Earley.

Phyllis graduated from Muncie Central High School, Class of 1948, and went on to attend Ball State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1952. After college, Phyllis was employed with Allyn & Bacon, Inc. in Chicago as a Consultant in Elementary Education. There she traveled to schools in the Midwest selling textbooks and educational materials. Later, she became an elementary teacher, which would eventually bring her to Jackson in 1961 to teach at McCulloch Elementary School. During her summer breaks, Phyllis and a teaching colleague owned and operated a business selling donuts out of an old converted school bus at the east end of Clarklake. It was during this period of time that she would meet, and ultimately marry her husband in 1963.

Throughout her life, Phyllis had a passion for antiques, auctions, and furniture refinishing. Many weekends were spent traveling the countryside in search of the perfect piece to restore. She also maintained a booth at the Jackson Antique Mall for many years which gave her great joy. Phyllis was an avid Michigan State fan, and especially enjoyed following each basketball

season. She and her husband enjoyed their many years in the Wednesday Night Mixed Bowling League at the Airport Lanes, and their monthly Bridge Club parties. She was an avid reader with a fondness for mysteries, proud of her Irish heritage, a devout Catholic, and a long time member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish. Known for her gentle spirit, she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, teacher and friend. She will be greatly missed.

Phyllis is survived by her only son, Ben (Amy); dear friend, Lynne Gamble; her sister’s children: Jean Adams, Jane Arseniadis (Larry), Joan Bowe (Chris), Tom Adams (Kelley), Dave Adams (Aileen), Jim Adams (Nancy), and Emily Donley (Brian). She is also survived by her great niece Liz Meade (Tom), whom she shared a uniquely close and loving bond, and many great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Dick F. Smith; her sister, Lois Adams; and her brother, Tom Earley.

The family extends their gratitude to Summit Park Assisted Living and the Henry Ford Hospice Home for their compassionate care.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church with Father John Vinton officiating. A private interment will be held at St. John Catholic Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Church on Wednesday, November 18 from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Phyllis Smith to: The Cascades Humane Society, 1515 Carmen Drive, Jackson, MI. 49202 or online at https://www.chspets.org/givee