Phyllis Lou Smith

Phyllis Lou Shirkey Smith, 90 of Ripley, passed away Monday, May 29, 2017 at Charleston Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born December 2, 1926 in Clothier, WV, the daughter of the late John Matthew and Stella Sharp Shirkey. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Virgil Smith Jr., her siblings, William (Sylvia) Shirkey, Edith (Ernest) Flannery, Woodrow (Ruth) Shirkey, John L. Shirkey, Frances (Richard) Price and a brother-in-law, Frank Miller. She is survived by her sons, Kip (Mary) Smith of Kenna, Rod (Marsha) Smith of Stoutsville, OH and Chuck (Lesa) Smith of Charleston; eight grandchildren, Kara (Joel) Allread, Dirk (Sherri) Smith, Nate (Emily) Smith, Cole Smith, Sydney Smith, Jacob Smith, Jesse Smith and Jagur Smith; great grandchildren Reed and Morgan Hanes, Adelyn, Elleigh and Andrew Smith and Gavin Allread; her siblings, Rosemary Miller of Madison, WV, George (Louise) Shirkey of Lake Wales, FL and her sister-in-law, Jean Shirkey of Brook Park, OH, and numerous nieces and nephews Phyllis attended Davis and Elkins College before graduating Morris Harvey College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1957. Receiving her secondary teaching certificate in English and Social Studies. Phyllis became a lifelong educator, teaching public school at Sharples High School, Sharples, WV; Lake Elementary, Logan County, WV and Ripley High School, Ripley, WV over the course of 32 years. After retiring from public education, she became the coordinator of Jackson County Literacy Program. Phyllis was an avid reader and a fan of television drama, professional golf and college football and basketball. She also enjoyed playing the piano, singing church hymns, and painting with oils and water colors. Phyllis was a charter member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ripley where she served as an elder and sang in the church choir for many years. Her love of teaching and learning was only exceeded by her love of family, having worked many hours compiling family genealogy in written and photograph form. She delighted in reminiscing the past and planning the future. Phyllis will be greatly missed by her family and her friends. Funeral Service will be 1:00 PM, Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church of Ripley with Larry Hooper officiating. Burial will be in the Jackson county Memory Gardens, Cottageville. Friends may call from 6 to 8 pm Friday, June 2, 2017 at the Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com