Phyllis Naydene Smith was a counselor, public servant, Inspirational Witness, mother, sister and friend. She departed this life on Thursday May 17, 2012, after a ten year battle with cancer. Phyllis Naydene Smith was born March 18, 1955 to Edward Franklin Smith, Sr. and Hester Ruth Smith. She was educated in the Catholic Schools of the city graduating from Bishop McGuiness High School in 1973. She continued her education at A&T State University and received a Master Degree in Psychology from North Carolina Central University. Phyllis worked at Winston-Salem State University from 1979 until months before her passing, serving as both a psychology professor and later as a counselor in the Counseling Center. At the Center, she touched the lives of many Ram students.

Phyllis was a lifelong member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, pledging Alpha Mu in 1976. She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church since 2003.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by an only son the light and joy of her life, Michael Andrew Grace, Jr., a rising senior at Yale University; a brother, Edward Franklin Smith, Jr. of the city; an uncle, Mr. Leslie Brinson (Doris) of Raleigh, NC; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will the held at the Emmanuel Baptist Church on Monday May 21, 1012, with the Rev. Dr. John Mendez Presiding. Family visitation will begin at 12:30, with funeral services at 2:00pm. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will give the final passage ceremony (Omega Omega) at 12:00.

Family and friends may be contacted at 135 Riley Forest Court at four o'clock on Sunday May 20, 2012.