Connie Britton, 85, columnist was active in community service – Coastal Observer
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Connie Britton, 85, columnist was active in community service

January 5, 2023

Mary Cornelia Beck Britton of Sumter and Pawleys Island died at her home Dec. 21. She was 85.

Known as Connie, she was born Jan. 31, 1937, in Sumter, the daughter of Kenneth Emmitt Beck and Rosalie Neyle Beck. Her aunt, Mary Ella Neyle, also had a role in raising her. Connie graduated from Edmunds High School, where she was a cheerleader, played the piano for the chorus and was chosen for the May Court. 

She met John James “J.J.” Britton and they began a seven-year courtship which led to 64 years of marriage. 

While completing a two-year business program at Limestone College, Connie was often visiting J.J. down the road at Clemson, where she was selected as a TAPS Beauty and was the Central Dance Association Sweetheart. 

During her later years at Clemson, she cherished friendships with many wives of the trustees.

The couple married in Sumter on June 13, 1958, and started their family in Charleston, where Mrs. Britton’s support of Dr. Britton’s medical training began. They returned to Shaw Air Force Base in 1967 after living in Miami, Fayetteville, N.C., and Portsmouth, Va.

Her heart overflowed with the love of Jesus, and she encouraged her children to “keep love in your heart.” 

At the Church of the Holy Comforter, she taught Sunday School, hosted Alpha gatherings and served on the wedding guild and vestry. She sprinkled God’s goodness wherever she went, including her beloved Pawleys Island. She was known as “Goose” to her grandchildren because because she gathered and nurtured them like the fabled Mother Goose.

Mrs. Britton had a penchant for writing and penned the Panorama column in the Sumter Item as well as the newsletter for the Tuomey Hospital Canteen. She and her friend, Sister Wimberly, were co-creators of the May Day Celebration at Wilson Hall School. 

She was also an avid bridge and tennis player and often entertained in her home. 

Mrs. Britton enjoyed community service, that included the Sumter Junior Welfare League (president), Sumter Medical Auxiliary, Shepherd’s Center, Stateburg Literary Society, Friends of Swan Lake Iris Gardens (a founder) and Friends of Brookgreen Gardens. She was the first female elected to the board at Black River Electric Cooperative and served for 30 years.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her brother, George Austin Beck (Connie); her children, Beth Britton Stuckey, Babs Britton Wilson (Tim), Becky Britton Funderburk (Bevan) and Dr. John James Britton Jr. (Helen); her grandchildren, Mary Frances Stuckey, James Stuckey, Britton Troxler (Finch), Charles Noyes, Neyle Noyes, Myers Noyes, Becka Noyes, Betsy Noyes, Jack Britton, Heyward Britton; and her great-grandchildren, Grayson Noyes and Annie Troxler.

Another brother, Kenneth Emmitt Beck, died before her.

A celebration of her life was held Dec. 27 at the Church of the Holy Comforter. A graveside service was held Dec. 28 at Woodland Cemetery at Clemson University.

Memorials may be made to Church of the Holy Comforter.

Condolences may be sent at sumterfunerals.com.

LOCAL EVENTS

Meetings

Georgetown County Board of Education: First and third Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., Beck Education Center. For details, go to gcsd.k12.sc.us. Georgetown County Council: Second and fourth Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers, 129 Screven St., Georgetown. For details, go to georgetowncountysc.org. Pawleys Island Town Council: Second Mondays, 5 p.m. Town Hall, 323 Myrtle Ave. For details, go to townofpawleysisland.com.   , .

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