Phyllis Elaine Hill Duplisea, 71, Dies in Fairfax; Allendale Resident

Phyllis Elaine Hill Duplisea, 71, a longtime Allendale-area resident, died January 28 in Fairfax, South Carolina. Family members describe her as a quietly strong presence whose life centered on family, and neighbors in Allendale and Fairfax gathered for visitation and a graveside service the first week of February.

Family members wrote in a submitted tribute, "Our beloved mother, Phyllis Hill‑Duplisea, gained her wings and became our family’s guardian angel on January 28, 2026." The tribute continued, "Phyllis was a gentle, kind, and quietly strong woman whose presence brought comfort to everyone around her. Family was the heart of Phyllis’s world."

Born September 4, 1954, Duplisea was 71 at the time of her passing. Services were arranged by Keith Smith Funeral Service of Allendale. Visitation took place Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Keith Smith Funeral Home, 128 Water St, Allendale, SC 29810. A graveside service followed Friday, February 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Bethel Baptist Church, 6498 Confederate Hwy, Fairfax, SC 29827. The funeral home can be reached at (803) 584-2492 for those seeking further information or wishing to leave condolences.

Per published family listings, Duplisea was predeceased by "her parent Charlie Sr. Cope (Lois)." She is survived by her husband Ronald Duplisea, Sr.; her son Michael West (Stacia); her grandchildren Michael and Brianna; her son Christopher Duplisea (JoAnne); her grandchild Jordyn; and her siblings Barbara Clarkson (Tommy), Charles Cope and Dean Cope (Karen).

Local funeral-home records and family notices use the spelling Duplisea; some online memorial listings show an alternate spelling, Duplisa. The funeral home listing and family-submitted tribute use Duplisea as the preferred spelling.

For Allendale County, Duplisea’s passing is a reminder of the role small, tightly knit families play in community life. Services at the Keith Smith Funeral Home and Bethel Baptist Church brought relatives and neighbors together in familiar local spaces - Water Street and Confederate Highway - where friends could pay respects and support the family. Those looking to send flowers, leave messages, or confirm details are encouraged to contact Keith Smith Funeral Service at (803) 584-2492.

Her family’s words emphasize a legacy of quiet strength and devotion to kin that many Allendale residents will recognize and remember as they continue to support Ronald Duplisea, Sr., Michael West, Christopher Duplisea and the extended family in the weeks ahead.