WILMINGTON — Jesse Wallace “J.W.” Britt, 89, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Facility. He was born Jan. 6, 1929, in Lumberton, N.C.
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 U.S. Air Force where he was stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Riverside, Calif., and worked in the Fire and Rescue Unit. While in the U.S. 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, N.C., 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, quick wit and humor. His biggest pleasure was making others smile and laugh. He had a God-given talent for making anyone he met 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 longtime members.
He is survived by two daughters, Susanne Cover of Hope Mills, N.C., and Pamela Warren, and her husband, Mark, of Louisburg, N.C.; five grandchildren, Ryan Cover, Rebecca Cover, Justin Cover, Patrick Warren and Rachel Warren; and numerous nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth Britt; daughter, Cathy Britt Tyson; granddaughter, Jessica Marie Cover; two sisters, Merlene Warwick and Bernie Mae Hope; and one brother, Douglas Britt.
A celebration of Jesse’s life will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday Feb. 24, at Winter Park Baptist Church, Wilmington. A visitation will take place at 10 a.m. one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401; American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123; or to a charity of one’s choice.
Share online condolences with the family at coblewardsmith.com.
