Phyllis Charlene Smith, age 75, of Toccoa, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 20, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on September 11, 1950, in Gastonia, Phyllis was the daughter of the late Charlie Ellington Smith and Mildred Tench Smith. She lived a life marked by strength, determination, and quiet compassion for others.
In 1982, Phyllis graduated from the 56th Trooper School and made history as one of the first seven women in Georgia to serve with the Georgia State Patrol. Her groundbreaking achievement reflected her courage and commitment to public service. Throughout her distinguished career, she earned the respect of colleagues and the community she faithfully protected. After years of dedicated service, she retired in 2000, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and perseverance.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Phyllis found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved golfing, tending to her flowers, and carefully landscaping her yard, taking pride in creating beauty wherever she could. Above all, she cherished her beloved fur baby, Gracie the cat, who brought her endless comfort and companionship.
In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her sisters, Sandra Barrett and Denise Holland.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Amy Davis; her sister, Wanda Perry; her special nephew and his spouse, Mark and Stacie Perry and family; along with many other relatives and a host of dear friends who will treasure her memory.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home with Rev. Stacy Penland officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until the service hour on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
An online guest registry is available for the Smith family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
