Phyllis Jeanette Smart

Phyllis (Howard) Smart, 73, of Kansas City, Missouri, formerly of Unionville, Missouri, passed away at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City on December 13, 2021, after a struggle with several health issues.

Phyllis Jeanette Smart was born in Unionville, Missouri, on August 28, 1948, the daughter of Carl Lee and Joy (Hamilton) Howard.  Phyllis grew up in Unionville and graduated from Unionville High School in 1966. Phyllis worked at Rhoades Jewelry in Unionville before attending cosmetology school.  Phyllis married Russell Smart in 1967.  The family moved to Chillicothe, Missouri, in 1981. Phyllis worked at the Citizens Bank beginning a long career in the banking industry. She retired as a Vice President at Citi Bank after nearly 30 years of service.

Although Phyllis and Russell Smart divorced after moving to the Kansas City area, they remained dedicated parents and loving grandparents together.  Phyllis was dedicated to her job and family.  She was a devoted daughter, sister, cousin, friend, aunt, loving mother and grandmother.  Phyllis enjoyed entertaining family and friends in her well-appointed home.  Phyllis’s dedication to her entire family was an inspiration to all who knew her.  Her children and grandchildren were the loves of her life.  All will dearly miss her.

Phyllis is survived by two daughters, Anjie (John) Baumler of Buckner, Missouri, and Tricia (Gregg) Shields of Leawood, Kansas.  She is also survived by five grandchildren, Nathan Smart, Matthew Baumler, Rebecca Baumler, George Shields, and Grace Shields.  Phyllis’ mother also survives as well as two brothers, Greg (Terrie) Howard and Jeff Howard, all of Kirksville, Missouri, and a sister-in-law, Shelle Howard of Unionville, Missouri. Several nieces, nephews and cousins survive as well.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her father, Carl Lee Howard, and a brother, Kevin Howard.

Funeral services for Phyllis will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 18, 2021, with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Internment will be at the West Liberty Cemetery in Putnam County, Missouri

Memorials in lieu of flowers should be made payable to West Liberty Cemetery and entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27 ^th St., Unionville, MO  63565.