Phyllis D. (Oates) Smith

Phyllis Dale (Oates) Smith, age 96 of Petersburg, WV passed away Saturday, July 3, 2021 at her home.   She was born March 15, 1925 in Petersburg, WV and was a daughter of the late O. R. “Dick” Oates, Sr. and Pearl D. (Riley) Oates.  In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Orlen A. “Buss” Smith in 2004, two brothers, O. R. “Dick” Oates, Jr., and Joseph K. Oates; one sister, Norma Oates Miller Lee.

 Phyllis is survived by three sons, Austin R. “Buddy” Smith and wife Pattie of Petersburg, WV, Gary O. Smith and wife Carole of Maysville, WV and Alan W. “Snuffy” Smith and wife Ruth of Maysville, WV; one daughter, Melanie D. Mowery and husband Raymond of Upper Tract, WV;  thirteen grandchildren ; thirty-three great grandchildren; two step great grandchildren and eleven great-great grandchildren;  two sisters, Carolyn F. Riggleman and husband Marcelle of Stephen City, VA; Elizabeth “Betty Sue” Smith and husband “Smitty” of  Norfolk, VA;  one brother, Gerald Oates and wife Polly of Keyser, WV; numerous nieces and nephews. 

Phyllis was a member of Grove Street United Methodist Church.  She was Past Worthy Matron of Petersburg Chapter No. 146 Order of Eastern Star.  She was a past member of Town and Country CEOS.  Phyllis was recognized in 2006 as Grant County Belle.  She also was a member of the former Petersburg Business and Professional Women’s Club.  Phyllis was the most recently honored as the only surviving 75 year member of American Legion Women’s Auxillary.   

Phyllis was secretary for the Poultry Auction.  She worked for Ours/Wagner Chevrolet, Eastern Building Supply and was office manager of Region 8 Solid Waste Authority.  She worked many years for the Petersburg City Election Polls and County Polls.  She traveled 48 of the 50 states.  She loved her flower gardening.   

Family will receive friends Tuesday, July 6, 2021 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Schaeffer Funeral Home in Petersburg.  At 7:00 PM, the Petersburg Chapter No. 146 Order of the Eastern Star will conduct services at the funeral home.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at 11 AM in the Chapel of the Schaeffer Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Perrine.  Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Petersburg.

Those who wish to remember Phyllis in a special way, may make donations to Grove Street United Methodist Church Hospitality, 11 North Grove Street, Petersburg, WV 26847, Burlington Family Services, RR 3, Box 3122, Keyser, WV 26726 or Hospice Promise Foundation, c/o Grant Memorial Hospice, 100 Hospital Drive, Suite 2, Petersburg, WV 26847.

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