Glenda Smyly Obituary

Glenda Durden Smyly

Charleston - Glenda Durden Smyly, of Charleston, South Carolina, wife of James M. Smyly, Sr., entered into eternal rest Wednesday, December 10, 2025. The family will receive friends Thursday December 18th, 2025, in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. A second visitation prior to services will be held Friday from 11am - 12 noon at the same West Ashley Chapel, and funeral services will be held immediately following from 12 noon - 1pm, Friday December 19th, 2025. A graveside service will follow in The Smyly Family Cemetery, Ruffin, SC at 3pm.

Glenda Durden Smyly was born July 27th, 1947 in Columbus, Georgia, daughter of the late James and Myrtle Durden. Mrs. Smyly retired as a Major with the Charleston County Sheriff's Office. She joined the Charleston County Police Department in 1973, one of the first female police officers on patrol at the time. Strong-willed, she was a force who forged her own path and never let anyone deter her from the goals she set.

Glenda was preceded in death by her adoring husband Jim, as well as her loving sisters Cathey Conway and Patricia Brown.

She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Elizabeth Smyly of Charleston, SC; son, James Smyly, Jr. (Saila Milja-Smyly) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406.

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