05/22/2026
Sylvia Delaine Collier Smith Loftus
Sylvia Delaine Collier Smith Loftus was born in North Providence, South Carolina, the eldest living child of Dennis O. Collier and Kathleen Evans Collier. She grew up alongside her two sisters, Marcia and Priscilla.
She attended Providence and Holly Hill schools, graduating from Holly Hill High School in 1955. Shortly thereafter, she married Charles Virgil “Bim” Smith, a devoted marriage that lasted more than 52 years.
Sylvia was the mother of three children: Dennis Hampton Smith of Travelers Rest, SC; Susan Debra (Smith) Carnes, deceased; and David Charles Smith, who passed away in infancy.
Following Charles’s death, she later married the Rev. Owen J. Loftus, with whom she shared ten years of marriage until his passing.
Sylvia worked at Farmers Chevrolet and on the family farm before returning to school at Orangeburg–Calhoun Technical College. She graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1988 and went on to serve as a charge nurse on the surgical floor at The Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg, SC. She retired from the hospital in 2000.
She was a Cub Scout leader and an active member of Corinth Baptist Church in Holly Hill.
In 2017, Sylvia moved to The Woodlands at Furman retirement community in Greenville, SC, with her husband Owen, where she lived until her death.
She is predeceased by her parents; her sister, Marcia Parker; her children, Susan and David; and her husbands, Charles Smith and Rev. Owen Loftus.
She is survived by her sister, Priscilla Davis of Columbia; her son, Dennis (Cynthia) Smith of Travelers Rest; and her grandchildren: Gregory Charles Smith of Indianapolis; Grant Hampton Smith, currently teaching in Cambodia; and David Russell Carnes of Ripplemead, VA. She also leaves behind five great‑grandchildren: Xavier Stephen Smith, Eliza Berenice Smith, and Arthur Gregory Smith of Indianapolis; and Kathryn Ann Carnes and Caleb Reid Carnes of Ripplemead.
Beyond her many roles and accomplishments, Sylvia was defined by a distinctive and memorable character.
She lived her life with determination, courage, and a quiet independence. Though not naturally social, she was deeply devoted to her family and approached her responsibilities with unwavering resolve. As both a homemaker and a farm wife, she worked tirelessly — whether managing the household or operating farm equipment when needed.
She was exceptionally well‑read and possessed a sharp, inquisitive mind that stayed with her throughout her life.
Strong‑willed and determined, she met life on her own terms. While her straightforward nature could be challenging at times, those who knew her well appreciated her intelligence, loyalty, and dry sense of humor. Her perseverance was evident in every chapter of her life, including her remarkable decision to return to school and earn her nursing degree.
She cherished the simple joys of rural life, cultivating a productive vegetable garden and becoming an accomplished cook. In her later years, she grew gentle in spirit, forming meaningful connections with the staff at her retirement community, who cared for her with affection and respect.
Her life was marked by resilience, devotion, and quiet strength, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who loved her.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff and administration of The Woodlands at Furman, as well as the team at Interim Hospice of Greenville, for their compassionate care.
Services and interment will be held at a later date in Holly Hill. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Holly Hill Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 203, Holly Hill, SC 29059.
Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/.
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