Phillip Leroy Smith

PHILLIP LEROY SMITH, of the late Charles Edward Smith, Jr and Selma Hall Smith was born on October 9, 1948 in Baltimore, Maryland. Phillip, a twin, was very ill at birth. In fact, the doctor announced to his father, “You have one healthy son” Emergency surgery was performed and by the grace of God, Phillip beat the odds, This miracle child went on to live that glorified God and enriched the lives of all he touched. Phillip remained a faithful, loving God fearing gentle man until departing this life on August 2, 2016 Born into a Christian musical family where his father played the saxophone, his mother played the piano and everyone sang, Phillip had a great love appreciation for music. Having accepted Christ at an early age, music was one major means through which glorified God. As a faithful, lifelong member of Christ United Methodist Church, Phillip was part of the Holliman Three Clef Vac Orchestra. He was a member of all the choirs: The Young Adult Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Gospel Choir, Men's Chorus and the Inspirational Voices of Christ. He was accustomed to being in the choir loft that he accidently found himself with Women's Chorus. He returned to his seat in the congregation once he realized this. Of course, his friends never let him forget that! In addition to his music, Phillip labored in the vineyard, serving in many capacities He has served as Sunday School Superintendent and has taught Vacation Bible School. He was active in the United Methodist Men and the service organization, Children of Simon, No job was to big for him to tackle and job was beneath him Phillip was a willing spirit-always ready to lend a helping. Everyone knew Phillip. His positive influence inspired within and outside church walls He shared his life experiences-positive and negative - to-steer young people in the right direction. Educated in the Baltimore City Public school System, Phillip attended Douglas High school where he and his twin, David, participated in the Marching Band . Upon graduating, he enrolled in Morgan State College (now University). While at Morgan, he became a member of the Beta Omega Epsilon Fraternity which was also a service organization, Service was a constant theme in his life. He earned a Bachelor's degree in History and taught in Baltimore City. Later he worked in manufacturing at London Fog and Rockland Industries Phillip met the love of his life, Mildred Stanley, at the Christ United Methodist Church where they married and shared a fulfilling union her passing in 2001. Phillip, despite his small frame, loved to eat. What a pair! In later years, Phillip became ill and eventually was confined to a nursing home. However, his spirit was not confined. He continued to be an inspiration to all his friends, family and fellow residents at the nursing home. He and his friends, confidant and roommate, James Fisher, despite physical limitations were source of Christian Joy Employee's spirits were lifted in their presence. Phillip was a fine example of serving the Lord as long as he had breath. Phillip was preceded in death by his oldest sister, Joan Marie Smith. He is survived by four siblings, twin David, Charles, and Gloria Smith and Shirley Smith Faulcon; three nieces, LaVonne, Monica and Genea Smith; two nephews, Adam Cloud, (Erin) and Robert Faulcon; great nieces, Ajee Robinon and Nora Cloud; nephew, Isaiah Brown; mother-in-law Myrtle Nelson; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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Phillip Leroy Smith

October 9, 1948 - August 2, 2016