Pha Smith Edwards Labuzan

Pha Smith Edwards Labuzan. Born on December 19, 1923, Pha Anita Smith was the sixth of 10 children born to O.T. and Mamie Ruffin Smith. She grew up in Little Rock, Ark. where she attended public schools and graduated from Scipio A. Jones High School. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Philander Smith College. Soon after graduating from college she married James Edwards also from Arkansas. They moved to Richmond, California where she remained until she moved back to AR in April 2003. After many years of marriage Pha and "Jimmy" divorced and several years later she married Charles Labuzan (now deceased). While in California, Pha taught second grade for almost 40 years, retiring from Mira Vista Elementary School in 1985. She was a master teacher having received many awards and accolades. Her students were her children. Even after she formally retired, Pha continued to serve her students as a substitute teacher until just before she moved back to Arkansas in 2003. She was always a stylish "dresser" and was known as the most fashionable teacher at her school. Pha was a faithful servant at Easter Hill United Methodist Church and loyal member of the Order of Eastern Star until she moved from Richmond. Departing this life on March 24, 2013, she leaves to mourn a brother, Wendell (Dorothy); a sister, Marcell; 17 nieces and nephews; and several grand nieces, nephews, and other relatives A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at Haven of Rest Cemetery. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneral.com.