Eleanor Marie Phillips was born to Esther Smith and George Smith Sr. in Orlando, Florida on November 28, 1949. She was the 11th of 12 children. There was never a dull moment in the Smith home. As a twin to her late sister, Elaine, she had a built-in best friend.

At the age of three, her family relocated to Manhattan, New York. Growing up in the projects, Eleanor was known for her big personality and protectiveness. She attended New York City public schools and went on to pursue a career in early childhood education. She followed her love and passion for children by teaching Pre-K.

Her passions included cooking; writing, drawing, poetry and singing. She was known for anyone in need. She wrote poems and stories, and she danced alongside the legendary Sandman at the Apollo Theater. While raising children, she filled in as a teacher, provided lessons and tutoring to Tisha Campbell during her childhood. She also wrote pieces for church and community events.

Eleanor loved decorating and designing, whether for a wedding or church social. She had a remarkable talent for transforming spaces, making every occasion special.

At the young age of 14, while jumping rope at the local playground, Eleanor met a boy named Richard Phillips. The story goes that he was dunking basketballs while she was jumping double dutch. Richard and Eleanor formed a partnership that lasted more than 60 years. After their marriage, they welcomed their first child, Janay, followed two years later by their son, Richard Jr. Eleanor and Richard also raised their niece Kim Smith as one of their very own.

The most important journey Richard and Eleanor shared was the journey of salvation. Nearly ten years into their marriage, they met with their Aunt Rowena, who was visiting them from the Bahamas. She shared with them the evangelist's message of salvation and the love of Christ. She encouraged them to find a house of worship, and Richard knew just where to go. God led them to Greater Refuge Temple, where Eleanor received the Holy Ghost on June 10, 1971.

Together, Richard and Eleanor sang in the Radio Choir for 21 years. They fully immersed themselves in fellowship, travel, and worship with their brothers and sisters in Christ, always caring for others and dedicated to growing at an even deeper level. Her door was always open to anyone—literally anyone. She cooked countless meals and fostered several children throughout the years.

Eleanor and Richard later had the joy of welcoming another daughter, Janelle. They often spoke of the blessing of raising their children, followed by the joy of becoming grandparents to Kendall, Quinton, Janae, Richquel, Joshua, Jivis, Sean, Cassandra, Courtney and Taylor. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Aria and Liam.

Each of her grandchildren shared a close bond with her. She made time for every one of them and was known not only to her family but to everyone simply as "Grandma." She will be deeply and dearly missed.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her siblings Violet, Raymond, Emily, George Jr., George III, Ernest, Franklin, Serena, Shirley, and Richard. She leaves behind her loving siblings, Gwendolyn Steele and Edwina Smith; a host of nieces and nephews; and countless others who shared a special relationship with her.

It is with great love and gratitude that we celebrate the privilege of having known Eleanor. May she now rest in the everlasting peace of our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ.