Mrs. Phyllis Jean Smith Benjamin

Phyllis Jean Smith-Benjamin was born on December 18, 1950 in Columbia, South Carolina to the late Arthur and Mozelle Phillips Smith. She entered into eternal rest on November 4, 2018.

Phyllis was educated in the public schools of Richland County and was a graduate of Columbia High School Class of 1968. She continued her education in pursuit of her nursing degree at The Professional School of Nursing. For many years, Phyllis was employed as a Mental Health Specialist for the State of South Carolina and later retired from Fort Jackson. Her passion and dedicated talent allowed her to care for many patients throughout her career.

Phyllis’ life was filled with affection for her family, friends and total strangers. She loved to fish, cook, and solve millions of crossword puzzles. There was never a dull moment with Phyllis at family gatherings; her conversations were full of wittiness, charm and laughter.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Smith.

Phyllis leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving husband, Mike Benjamin; mother, Mozelle Phillips Smith of Columbia, SC; two sons, Chad (Dana)  Smith, Sr. of Columbia, SC and Kendell (Tameka) Smith, of Cibilo, TX; five grandchildren, Chad (Arika) Smith, Jr. of Columbia, SC, Cameron A. Smith of Ramstein, Germany, Darien Smith, Kai Smith, and Kensley Smith all of Cibilo, TX; two great-grandchildren, Janie G. Butler, and Jourdan O. Smith both of Columbia, SC; three sisters, Betty Ann Johnson, Sandra Samuel, and Veleria Wilson all of Columbia, SC; five brothers, Marion Smith, Dennis Smith, Arthur Smith, Jr, Ronny Smith, and Eric Smith all of Columbia, SC; one sister-in-law, Tracy Smith of Columbia, SC; dearly loved friend, Patricia Smith; aunts; and a host of loving nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends.

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