Willie Maude Phillips Smith

Willie Maude Phillips Smith, 94, of Cayce, went to be with her Lord on Monday, February 1, 2016. Born in Greenville, SC, on June 19, 1921, Mrs. Smith lived an active, prayer-filled life and loved serving in her church. Early in life, Mrs. Smith enjoyed teaching and sharing her faith with youth at State Street Baptist Church, teaching youth Sunday School classes, serving as superintendent of the Sunday School department, and leading the Royal Ambassadors boys' group. Later in life, she served as her Sunday School class president for several years at both Holland Avenue Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of West Columbia. Mrs. Smith was a charter member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Cayce Chapter No. 260, as well as a member of the Order of the Amaranth and the White Shrine. She was a past Matron and former District Deputy Grand Matron of the Eastern Star, as well as a past Matron and former Royal Matron of the Amaranth. Mrs. Smith was the daughter of the late Josephine Rumsey LaBoone and the late David Clinton Phillips. She is predeceased by her daughter, Cassandra S. Gissendanner. She is survived by a son, Gary R. Smith of Hudson, Florida. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Matthew W. (Jennifer) Gissendanner, Kristin E. Gissendanner, Gary D. Smith and Cindy (Paul) Blackwood, as well as several great and great-great grandchildren. The family would also like to extend their thanks and gratitude to all of Mrs. Smith's friends who helped care for her over the past few years; Bob and Luci Maxwell, Julia McAuley, Toni Fields, Beth Watts and Sue Miles. Visitation for Mrs. Smith will be 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at First Baptist Church of West Columbia, with services to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Southland Memorial Gardens. Thompson Funeral Home of West Columbia is assisting the family.