Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

WILMINGTON, NC – Patricia Gay Harrell Britton, 85, a beloved resident of Wilmington, NC, passed away on September 23, 2023.

She was born on August 2, 1938 in Ahoskie, NC to the late Norfleet Gladstone Harrell and Ethel Futrell Harrell.

Gay, affectionately known as “GG” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her unwavering passion for life was a source of inspiration to those around her.

A loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and proud great-grandmother, Gay’s intelligence and outgoing personality were matched only by her determination and goal-oriented nature.

Gay had a zest for life that was manifested through her diverse interests, including jogging, gardening, painting, designing, and loving dearly all her dogs. She was an active member of various committees and clubs in Wilmington, Nags Head, and her hometown of Ahoskie, where she raised her children. Her gardening capabilities were frequently admired by her friends and her community. Her running even achieved first place in her age group in the Great Raleigh Road race.

Her legacy of kindness and goodwill continues to touch countless lives, from her immediate family to the communities fortunate enough to benefit from her guidance. Her creativity and commitment to excellence and beauty will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Linwood Patterson “Pat” Britton, Jr.; her sons, Linwood “Wood” Patterson Britton, III, and Russ Norfleet Britton, along with Russ’s wife, Catherine Butler Britton. Gay is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Linwood “Wood” Patterson Britton, IV and his wife Mary Halligan Britton, Ruthlee DeArmon Britton, Caroline Alexanderson Britton, and Elizabeth Norfleet Britton, as well as her great-grandchildren, Thomas Collins Britton and James Linwood Britton. Gay’s sister, Sharon Harrell Flenner, and Gay’s beloved dog, Lulu, will also miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her father, Norfleet Gladstone Harrell, her mother, Ethel Futrell Harrell, her brother, Norfleet Gladstone Harrell, Jr., and her grandparents, James and Debra Harrell and Thomas and Pattie Harrell.

Gay graduated from Ahoskie High School and continued her education at Wake Forest University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1960. From the time she was a little girl she wanted to march and twirl a baton. In high school she was a majorette with the band and in college she was a majorette for four years with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons Band, highlighted via an invitation and appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Gay had a fulfilling early career teaching English at Ahoskie High School. Later she remodeled and redecorated numerous waterfront houses she and her husband bought in North Carolina and Florida, as well as the houses of numerous friends who sought her talented artistic advice, all while supporting her husband’s two main businesses and raising her two children. She and her husband, Pat, found solace and community at Wrightsville United Methodist Church.

Funeral services to celebrate Gay’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023 at Andrews Mortuary, Market Street Chapel, located at 1617 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.

For those who wish to honor her memory, contributions can be made to a charitable organization of your choice.

Gay Harrell Britton’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Share online condolences with the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com