Jesse Wallace Britt

Jesse Wallace (J.W.) Britt passed away February 21, 2018 at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Facility in Wilmington, NC. He was born January 6, 1929 in Lumberton, North Carolina. He grew up with his parents, Jesse and Anna Britt and was the oldest of two sisters and one brother. Jesse grew up in the Robeson County and went to public school there until his graduation in 1948 from Fairmont High School. After graduation, he worked various jobs in the area until joining the United States Air Force where he was stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Riverside, California and worked in the Fire and Rescue Unit. While in the Air Force, he met and married the love of his life, Elizabeth Rice Britt and had a long loving marriage of 63 years, until her death in May 2017. Jesse often credited his long life to the love of God and his wife. He returned to Wilmington, North Carolina where he raised his family and worked at Caroline Power and Light until his retirement. After retirement, he enjoyed being outside working in his yard, spending time with friends, and attending church.

Jesse is best known for his love of life and quick wit and humor. His biggest pleasure was making others smile and laugh. He had a God given talent for making anyone he meets feel special and loved. He never knew a stranger. Jesse had a deep love and faith in God and received strength from his relationship and fellowship from his fellow Christians at Winter Park Baptist Church where he and his wife were long time members.

He is survived by two daughters, Susanne Cover of Hope Mills, North Caroline, Pamela Warren and husband Mark of Louisburg, North Carolina, five grandchildren, Ryan Cover, Rebecca Cover, Justin Cover, Patrick Warren and Rachel Warren and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth Britt, a daughter Cathy Britt Tyson, one granddaughter Jessica Marie Cover, two sisters, Merlene Warwick and Bernie Mae Hope, one brother Douglas Britt.

A Celebration of Jesse’s life will take place on Saturday February 24, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Winter Park Baptist Church in Wilmington, NC. A visitation will take place at 10:00 AM, one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice at 1414 Physicians Drive Wilmington, NC 28401, to the American Cancer Society at PO Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or to a charity on one’s choice.