In loving memory of
Nicole T Phillips-Smith
July 14, 1950 - January 9, 2020
Phillips-Smith
Nicole T
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nicole (Nicki) Phillips-Smith, age 69, of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away peacefully at home Thursday, January 9, 2020 after a very long and courageous battle with Crohn's disease. She was certainly wrapped in God's embrace as she ascended into eternal life.
Survivors include her 3 loving sisters, Paula Perona of North Muskegon, MI, Jorja Creighton (Bob) of Rockford MI, Lisa Garner (Hilton) of Naples, FL, nephews Scott Perona, Robert Garner, William Garner, Paul Creighton, niece Elizabeth Coyle, her Uncle Carl Creswell and Becky, her beloved cat.
Nicki was born to the late Robert and Pauline Phillips in Muskegon, Michigan on July 14, 1950. She graduated from North Muskegon High School in 1968, received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Michigan State University in 1972 and received her Master's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation from MSU in 1979.
As a respected rehabilitation case manager, Nicki founded Midwest Case Management Inc. in Grand Rapids in 1988 and successfully operated the business for 31 years. As a female business owner with a positive outlook, she accepted and overcame many challenges. Through her abilities, sheer determination, and uncanny resilience she accomplished many of her personal and professional goals.
Nicki deeply loved her family and friends. She had a fun-loving, adventurous spirit which led to many great experiences, often traveling with her mother, sisters, nephews and niece. She possessed a great sense of humor, exhibited spunk, and being in her presence was always fun.
Nicki's family would like to thank her dedicated caregivers Bob, Rebecca, Joan, Kaelynn, and both Heartland and Spectrum Hospice for their loving and caring services to Nicki.
There will be a private burial and a future gathering of friends and family to celebrate her life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, 733 Third Ave., Ste. 510, New York, NY 10017