Phyllis Joan Smith

Phyllis Joan Smith, 65, of Meadville, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2015, at UPMC Passavant Hospital, Pittsburgh.
 
Phyllis was born in Butler, PA on July 20, 1949, a daughter of the late William Sidney and Florence Oleta (Bell) Pithers, who preceded her in death.
 
On March 17, 1973 Phyllis married James C. Smith in Buffalo, NY; he survives.
 
Phyllis is also survived by three children: Jonathan J. Smith of Erie; Courtney A. Smith and her boyfriend Daniel Giesey of Pittsburgh; and William H. Smith and his wife Kathryn of Durham, NC. Her children were the greatest joy of Phyllis’ life. She cherished them as young children and through each passing year. Her brother William D. Pithers and his wife Alison of Erie also survive, as do several nieces and nephews.
 
Phyllis most recently attended New Beginnings Church of God. She previously had worshiped at First Presbyterian Church in Meadville.
 
She was a 1967 graduate of McDowell High School where she was the Head Majorette.  She went on to earn her B.A. in Elementary Education from Grove City College where she also received many academic honors. She subsequently earned her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Edinboro University and was a Certified Reading Specialist. 
 
After many years as an educator, Phyllis retired from the Crawford Central School District following the 2012-13 school year.  She had most recently taught at West End Elementary School, and also cherished her time at Neason Hill Elementary. Prior to the birth of her children, she had been employed by Penncrest School District. 
 
Phyllis had a loving heart for young children. Regardless of where she was teaching, she cared for each of her students as if they were her own. Over the years, many of her former students and their parents expressed their sincere gratitude for the quality of education she provided them in the classroom and in life. They were delighted when Phyllis remembered their names, where they sat in class, and enjoyed learning what they had done after leaving her classroom.
 
Phyllis volunteered time to the less fortunate each Thanksgiving. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and very active in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, having been a cancer survivor for seven years. Phyllis was very active in her children's PTA groups. She loved time spent with her children and family. She also found delight taking care of her dogs, Bella and Oliver.
 
Family and friends are invited to attend viewing hours this Thursday, February 5, from 4-7pm, at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville.
 
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society-Relay for Life, 12900 Raymond Dr., Meadville or Humane Society of Crawford County, 11012 Kennedy Hill Road, both in Meadville, PA 16335.

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