We mournfully announce the passing of our mother Phyllis Agatha Smith Felix (known as Phyllis), 96, of Newport News, Virginia, who passed away on her birthday, October 5th, 2023.

Phyllis was born on the island of Grenada, West Indies, to Benjamin ("Benji") Smith and Estella Geneva Jones Smith on October 5th, 1927. At the age 13, she was forced to leave school to help support her family.  Later, in her 50s, she came to the United States and worked as a caretaker.

Phyllis loved God, and delighted in spreading the gospel wherever she went. She was an active member of Newport News's Bethany Gospel Chapel.

Phyllis was predeceased by her parents Benjamin Smith and Estella Smith; her siblings Eltina Prosper, Eric Smith and James Smith; her husband Durine Felix; and her grandsons Earlden Pitt and Sceall Craig.

She is survived by her children, Dr. Vernon Francis, Valdon Smith, US Army SFC retired Michael Vaughn ``Spades" Smith, and daughter-in-laws Janet Patsy Francis, Debbie Pamela Smith and Kathleen Smith. Phyllis' grandchildren include Gary Smith, Kevin Francis, Karen Francis, Esquire, Kissan Paul, Valerie Chang, Kacey Smith, Thresha Davis, Keisha Bates, Keylon Smith, Ethan Smith, Shada Craig, and Nikeme Craig; and a granddaughter-in-law LaDonya Francis. She is also survived by her twenty-four great-grandchildren, Jelani Francis, Janaya Francis, Jordyn Francis, Kahlill Dawkins, Tajae Davis, Tejon Davis, Jaecob Franklin, Jaziah Lester, Kissara Smith, Ciarra Smith, Cianna Smith, Shaquille George, Kareem Albert, Josiah Pitt, Greville Ewar, Kalila Ewar, Terrill Craig, Tinsha Craig, Seon Craig, Tamika Craig, Natalia Craig, Anya Craig, Anaiya Craig, and Kashawn Smith; and by one great-great granddaughter, Ayla George.  Surviving siblings are Carmen Phillip, Elsa Mason, Sandra Calder, Celia Francis, Margret Francis and Andris Francis. Also in mourning are many nieces and nephews including Cynthia Holder, Rodlyn Lee-Chee, Annette Neptune, Gracie John, Septimus John, Marlon John, Pastor Justine Smith, Glenford Smith, Alrick Smith, Judlyn Smith, Connie St. John, Betty Springer, Patrick Smith, Andy Francis, Magdalene Francis and many more.

In addition to the saints of Bethany Gospel Chapel, also left to mourn, are the saints of Maranatha Gospel Hall in Washington D.C, Joan Hagley and Tajuana Delk and many more friends.

Services will be held at Bethany Gospel Chapel on October 26th.  Visitation will be from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.  A funeral service will follow at 12:30 PM. Burial will be in Peninsula Memorial Park at 3:00 PM.