Phyllis Neal Smith
Phyllis (Neal) Smith, 96, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. She was born on April 19, 1930, in Bowlegs, Oklahoma to Dessa Mae Neal and John Thomas Neal. Due to her father’s career in oil, the family lived in multiple towns throughout Oklahoma and Texas.
Phyllis graduated from John H. Reagan High School in Houston as Co-Valedictorian in 1947 before attending Sam Houston State University, where she met the love of her life, Carl Lane Smith, in 1948. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and received her Master’s in 1954 and went on to become a beloved educator, dedicating many years to Beaumont Independent School District before retiring after thirty-two years teaching public school and seventeen years at Lamar University. A total of forty-nine years.
Phyllis married Carl Lane Smith in 1951, and together they raised three sons: Howard Neal, Joel Lane, and Kirby Todd. Phyllis and Carl shared sixty-two years of marriage before his passing in 2013.
Beyond her roles as an educator and devoted mother, Phyllis remained deeply involved in her church and community.
In 1946 she won 1st Place in the State Debate Tournament at Reagan High School. In 1950, she received the Highest Student Honor award at Sam Houston State University, the Pennybacker Award; she also received Junior High Teacher of the Year, Vidor Junior High School; and in January 1975 she received the Silver Fawn, Boy Scouts of America, the highest honors recognizing outstanding service to youth.
Phyllis shared a lifelong bond with her older sister, Joyce, whose love and companionship meant so much to her. The two remained close throughout their lives.
In 1980, Phyllis became known for her most cherished title, Grammy. She and Carl were blessed with eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. “Grammy’s house” was the heart of every holiday and celebration, big or small. It was a home filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories, with Phyllis at the center of it all.
Phyllis will be remembered for her sweet smile, kind spirit, handwritten notes, mailbox surprises and bubbly personality that brought so much joy to everyone who knew her.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Lane Smith; her son, Kirby Todd Smith; her sister, Lillian Joyce Getts, and brother-in-law, Bill Getts.
She is survived by her sons, Howard Neal Smith and his wife, Sandra; Dr. Joel Lane Smith and partner, Anita Harmon, all of Beaumont, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Amanda Bielamowicz and her husband, Brian; Garrett Smith and his wife, Christin; Kristin Carnahan and her husband, Jonathan; Christopher Forster and his wife, Lorena; Travis Smith and his wife, Abby; Emily Young and her husband, Trey; Kylie Perabo and her husband, Jeffrey; and Austin Smith and his wife, Skyler.
She is further survived by her great-grandchildren, Kaci Hathaway, Addison Bielamowicz, Sterling Smith, Georgia Smith, Logan Bielamowicz, Riley Forster, Ace Carnahan, Olivia Forster, Grace Young, Lane Young, Todd Perabo, and Hayes Young.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713.
A gathering of Mrs. Smith’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 1, 2026, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Wesley Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, with her interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- May 1, 2026
- 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Funeral Service
Wesley Methodist Church
- 3810, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- May 2, 2026
- 10:00 am
Interment
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
- May 2, 2026
Howard, and Joel, I am very sorry for your loss. I hope that God grants you the peace and understanding during this time! I fondly remember Stardust the horse that Kirby would let me ride. And I remember spending the night and your mom making waffles with bacon in them! I’ll always remember that!
So sorry to hear of Mrs. Smith’s passing. She was my favorite high school teacher. I graduated from West Brook in 1983.
I am so sorry to hear of Phyllis’s passing. she was an amazing woman and a wonderful example for us all. Keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Shannon Garrod
Our Blessings go out to the family,
Howard I remember your Mom & Dad at Trinity UMC….. They were a wonderful couple, very pleasant ……
They are together in Gods house…..Blessings to the family ….🙏
Phylis was first a customer and then a friend. She and I shared a lot of things together. I never met her family, but I feel I know all of you. She was so proud of her family. I was her hairdresser until I got sick, then she had to go to someone else. I heard from her often. She was a very sweet and kind lady. So glad I met her!!
Mr. & Mrs. Smith were always kind and generous. I got a hug and a smile every time I saw them. Phyllis was a beautiful lady inside and out. Her faith was an example for all. I’ m sure she’s with her beloved Carl in the presence of Our Lord. Prayers and comfort to you, Joel, and your family. Love always, my friend.
I have always thought about Mr and Mrs Smith. Loved both very much ❤️.
Those days of Bingman and SPHS were better because of their knowledge and love of people.
May God continue to be with your family.
Love,
Emily Madaffri Wickler
I am so sorry for your loss. Phyllis was a wonderful friend. I always enjoyed talking to her.
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Smith’s family and friends. How blessed they were to have her in their lives for 96 years! Sometimes I would visit with her at church and she always looked so pretty. God bless you!
It was a privilege to know Mrs. Smith and her husband. Wonderful people. Rest in the arms of Jesus.
Sorry to hear of Mrs. Smith’s passing. Such a soft spoken lady and I am privileged to have worked with her at West Brook HS.
Rest in Peace Mrs. Smith
Joel and family , I am so devastated to hear of Mrs Smiths passing. She always felt like a grandmother to me. My memory of her and your dad goes back to my early childhood. From riding the donkey or feeding the goats. She was always there for me . When Mawmaw , Pawpaw , Momma and even when Mike passed, she was right there. I’ll miss her smile and her waving from her back yard. RIP sweet lady
So sorry to hear this. You could not find a more caring and sweet person than Phyllis. She was one of my supervising teachers while I was in college.