Sylvia Smith Painter

Sylvia Smith Painter, born at the Fort Jackson army hospital on October 12, 1960, was called by Jesus to come home on October 4, 2025, at the age of 64.

A native to Pauline, SC, she graduated Dorman High School in 1978 before attending Greenville Technical College, where she received an Associates Degree in Nursing, and becoming a Registered Nurse.

She leaves behind her beloved husband, Michael L. Painter. She was the daughter of the late Edith Philippi and Robert E. Smith. She is also survived by her step-daughter, Dallas Mendes (Travis) and sister, Susanne Blackwell (Charles). She was affectionately known as “Dibby” by her nieces and nephew, Richard Blackwell (Sharon), Candace Pruitt (Josh), Kaylan Looper (Ernie), and several grand-nieces and nephews.

Sylvia was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Pauline, SC. She worked at Arrow Automotive, was a monitor tech at SRHS heart center, and along with her husband, Michael, was the owner and operator of Automotive Performance.

She was a dear friend to many and helped to raise and influence numerous children and teenagers, who also all knew her as their “Dibby”. She loved bowling and was a member of many bowling leagues, spanning several years at both Star Lanes and Paradise Lanes. She loved shopping for clothes, long drives to the beach with her husband, was rarely seen without beautiful colorful makeup, and was not ashamed to pray for others or ask for prayers. She lived her life to the absolute fullest.

Visitation will be 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 828 Friendship Church Road, Pauline, SC 29374. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 PM, conducted by Rev. Brian Harris, with burial immediately following. Because Sylvia loved all things bright and colorful, the family asks that guests wear color instead of black to celebrate her vibrant life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 830 Friendship Church Road, Pauline, SC 29374.