Delette Phyllis Smith

Delette Phyllis (Turner) Smith, age 66, of Willmar, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Prairie Senior Cottages in Willmar, Minnesota.

Delette Phyllis Smith was born March 14, 1958, to Robert Dennis and Tressie Irene (Northcutt) Turner in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and was baptized at Holston Creek Baptist Church. She grew up in Spartanburg, South Carolina, graduating from Dorman High School and earning a Licensed Practical Nursing degree from the University of South Carolina Upstate. June 28, 1989, Delette married James Paul Smith in Spartanburg.

Delette lived in Spartanburg before moving to Minnesota. She worked as a nurse for a long time before leaving her job to be a full-time mom to her granddaughters Rebecca and Janice. She loved thrifting, singing and dancing to Patsy Cline, and helping those she cared for.

Delette is survived by her husband James Smith; children Michael (Crystal) Waddell of Spartanburg, SC, and Kristie Garnett of Holloway, MN; seven grandchildren: Janice Greene, Rebecca Bishop, Elizabeth Dimsdale, Abigail Caffro, Akiko Waddell, Roman Waddell, and Keegan Waddell; three great-grandchildren: Chase Simpson, Iris Blackwell, and Lilly Blackwell; and brother Dennis (Debbie) Turner of Spartanburg, SC. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Tressie Turner and Ruth Turner.

Blessed be the memory of Delette Smith.

Zniewski Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.