September 28, 2025, 78, Goldsboro —
Ethel Mae Faircloth Britt, a genuine Christian Lady who gave selflessly to her family, friends, community, and church, went to her Heavenly home in the evening hours of Sunday, September 28, 2025 while she was surrounded by her adoring family by her side. She was born on February 17, 1947, in Wayne County, NC, to the late Hubert Nelson Faircloth and Mary Etta Massey.
Ethel was the oldest of five children-one girl and four boys. She learned her mothering skills at an early age, becoming a “second mom” to her four younger brothers while her mother was out working to support the family. She attended Grantham School and was a member of the last graduating class at Grantham High School.
On September 18, 1965, Ethel Mae Faircloth married the love of her life, Charles Edward “Tom” Britt. From this marriage, they were blessed with three children: two boys and one girl.
Ethel was known for her great cooking skills. She prepared wonderful foods and preserves and was known to have the best collards around. It was an honor to be asked to sit at her table, especially for a Sunday lunch around the family table. Her legendary black walnut cake was considered “awesome”. She was also well known for her apple jacks served at Eureka Christian Church Harvest sale.
Ethel was an active and vital member of her community and Eureka Christian Church. She served on various committees. She was also a vital part of the church’s annual Harvest sale. She was a founding member of Jordans Chapel Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and was recognized by the fire department for her service as the Special Assistant Chief for the 22 years that Tom served as chief. Ethel was inducted into the Wayne County Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2024. She was a member of the North Carolina Pecan Growers association and the Newton Grove O.E.S. 267. She was recognized by the Grantham Grange as Volunteer of the Year. Ethel was always ready and willing to help anyone in need and was a major supporter of community fundraisers.
Ethel was an entrepreneur, being the owner of Carolina Nut Cracker. She was also a partner with her best friend, Jan Cox, in E&J Mowing. She loved spending time with her family, especially her granddaughters, and enjoyed taking trips to the Amish Country and the mountains of NC. Ethel enjoyed quilting, basket weaving , working in her yard, sunflowers, and Koi fish.
Ethel is survived by her husband of 60 years, Charles Edward “Tom” Britt; her children, Andy Wayne Britt, Angie Kaye Britt Pfennig & husband, Scott and Charles Jody Britt; her granddaughters, Amber Nicole Pfennig, Brianna Kaye Pfennig and Chloe Elizabeth Pfennig.
She is also survived by her sister, Gertrude Tyner; brothers, Dannie Faircloth (Gail), Donald Faircloth (Kaye) and Michael Faircloth; sister-in-law, Georgia Faircloth; best friend, Jan Cox; her grandpup, “Biscuit”. Additionally, she is survived by Britt family members, Jim & Adell Britt, Johnny & Bettie Britt, Annette & Charles Weaver, Minnie Britt Edwards and Faye Britt as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents, Ethel was preceded in death by her brothers, Ronnie Faircloth and Charles McCullen.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary of Eureka Christian Church with Rev. Dennis Pollock, Rev. Frank Purvis and Rev. Frank Sandy officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends and family on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home. At other times the family will be at the home.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be directed to the Carlisle Purvis Scholarship Fund at Eureka Christian Church, 2050 Dobbersville Road, Mt. Olive, NC 28365.
Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Britt family and online condolences may be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com
