Phyllis Marie Nesmith

Phyllis M. Armitage Nesmith, 93, of Russell, PA, passed into the loving arms of her savior on Tuesday March 3, 2026, in the Warren Manor.

She was born July 30, 1932, in Corry, PA, the daughter of the late Harold and Ella Smedley Armitage. Phyllis resided in Corry in her youth and was an honors graduate of Corry High School, class of 1950. Following high school, she relocated to Warren then Russell, PA. On June 3, 1951, she married James E. Nesmith Sr., a union that lasted 68 loving years before he passed on October 23, 2019.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, as well as her siblings: Betty Jane Porter, Ann Shuhart, Jean Fox, Jack Armitage, and Nancy McCray.

Phyllis is survived by her loving daughter, Katherine Nesmith Irwin (Edwin Irwin) of Russell, PA; her son, James E. Nesmith, Jr. (Deborah Wilson Nesmith) of Tallahassee, FL; grandchildren, James Irwin, (Beatrice Bailey) of San Jose, CA; Sarah Irwin Frederick (Jamie Frederick) of Warren, PA; Jefferson Nesmith of Wilmington, NC; Danielle Lyn, Andrew Nesmith of Valencia, CA; and great grandchildren, Isaac and Selah Irwin of CA, and RJ and Alex Frederick of Warren, PA.

Phyllis was a 70 year member of the Russell United Methodist Church. Children and young adults held a special place in her heart. She was a longtime Sunday school teacher, youth group and bible study leader. She also enjoyed singing in the choir, cantatas, and with the Calvary Singers. Phyllis touched so many lives in a positive way during her time on earth. Phyllis dearly loved spending time with her grandchildren and enjoyed gardening. In her younger days she had worked at New Process, was a licensed insurance agent, and a lecturer with Weight Watchers.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 7 pm in the Russell United Methodist Church (RUMC), 17 N Main St., Russell, PA. Light refreshments will be provided following the service. In lieu of flowers donations to the RUMC might be considered.

The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the cremation arrangements, has gone above and beyond and been very helpful with Phyllis and James' end of life arrangements. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com., or on their Facebook Page.