Phyllis Stohrer Smith

1919 - 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Phyllis Stohrer Smith, 92, a recent resident of Columbia, S.C., died peacefully Thursday, June 14, 2012 at Summers Landing. She was one of five children of the late John and Mabel Stohrer of Concord. Phyllis was born July 4, 1919 in Lowell, Mass. and was raised in Concord. She worked as a Colonel's secretary for the Department of the United States Air Force for 15 years at the Pentagon and then worked for another 15 years as a staff member of Prospect High School in San Jose, Calif.

Phyllis married Darwin Nelson of Concord in 1942. Phyllis and Darwin raised three children, Darwin, Jr. (aka Speedy), Susannah and Dayle. Their early years were spent in various states due to World War II. They raised their children in Northern Virginia and ended their careers in San Jose, Calif. Once retired, Phyllis and Darwin happily moved to Pinehurst, N.C. They were active members of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines, N.C. Phyllis ran the church thrift store for a number of years. Phyllis and Darwin were world travelers, and loved golfing. Knitting and quilting were her favorite hobbies.

Phyllis and Darwin were married for 66 years before Darwin's death in 2009. Phyllis was also predeceased by her two younger sisters, Martha Virginia Stohrer Andrews and Ann Stohrer Dwinnells. She is survived by her son, Darwin, Jr. and his wife Brenda of Kingsville, Ontario, Canada; by her

daughter, Susanna Beggs of Wyndmoore, Pa.; and by her daughter, Dayle Smith Lytle and her husband Tom of Hopkins, S.C. Other survivors include her two

younger brothers, John and James Stohrer, both of Concord. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Trip, Jeanie, Drew, Robin, Tiffany, Becky and Darwin; as well as three great-grandchildren, Catherine, Jessica and Lindsey.

There are no calling hours, a private memorial service will be held at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Southern Pines, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of Phyllis's favorite charities, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; her assisted living home, Summers Landing, 651

Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223; or Tidewater Hospice, 215 Medical Circle, West Columbia, SC 29169. Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel is assisting the family. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.