Phyllis Ann Smith

It is with heavy hearts and love that we announce the passing of Phyllis Ann Smith, a cherished mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend, who left this world peacefully on April 26, 2025, at the age of 90 with her son and daughter at her side.

Born on March 9, 1935, in Heavener Oklahoma, Phyllis grew up and attended school there before continuing her education at Eastern A&M College in Wilburton, Oklahoma, where she met her husband, Jim. After marrying and moving to Texas, she earned her master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Phyllis was a woman of remarkable resilience and spirit. Her heart for others was most evident in her work as a school counselor at Diboll Elementary for over 20 years and through her dedication to CASA of Angelina County where she worked to support the emotional and academic needs of children. Through her work and her voluntarism, she touched countless young lives. She met life’s challenges with quite strength and unshakeable grace, and she celebrated its joy with laughter that filled every room she entered. Known to many as Mom, Grandma or simply P, she brought light and connection wherever she went – whether advocating for children, enjoying a family gathering, having dinner with friends enjoying tacos and margaritas or simply a conversation over coffee – always after 11 am.

In June of 2023, Phyllis was diagnosed with leukemia – a moment that broke our hearts. True to her nature, she faced the diagnosis with courage and the same spirit and determination that defined her life. With the unwavering love of her family and the extraordinary care of the team at MD Anderson, she defied the odds time and again. Her resilience was an inspiration to all who knew her. Even in the hardest moments – and even up until her final days - she never lost her spark or quick humor.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Jim Smith, her mother Fontina Callahan and stepfather, Buck Callahan. She is survived by her loving children, James Curt Smith and his wife Carla of Lufkin, Texas, Kelly DeAnn Dertinger and her husband Jim of San Antonio, Texas.

Her memory lives on through her grandchildren, Kyle Smith and his fiancée Tera, Kody Smith, Callie Smith, Michael Strauss and his wife Kara, Garrett Strauss, Connor Strauss, Charles Dertinger and his wife Alex, Justin Dertinger and his wife Christina.

She was also a proud great-grandmother to Kendall Smith, Skye Dertinger, Banks Dertinger and Henry Dertinger, each of whom brought her endless joy and laughter.

Phyllis is also survived by her brother James Monk and his wife Sylvia of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and numerous cherished relatives who she loved spending time with at family reunions.

Her garden was her sanctuary, and through her care, it flourished. Her love for bringing her family for “garden day” or visiting local garden centers and buying just one more plant brought her so much joy. Each flower she tended seemed to bloom with a bit of her soul. She was also a lover of history and causes that were important to her as a woman. She was an avid reader whose bookshelves held wisdom and a deep curiosity about humanity and the world.

To her children and grandchildren, she was a guiding light – offering laughter and a quiet example of strength. She taught us the value of perseverance, the joy of family and the beauty of taking time to dig our hands in the earth.

Though our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for the memories she gave us, the lessons she taught us and the love she showed us every day.

A celebration of life will be held on June 28. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant something beautiful in her memory, read a book she would have loved or simply spend time with family and friends.

Her spirit lives on in every blossom and every laugh shared in her name.

Mom, we love you and you will forever be missed.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.