Grace Britt

OLMSTED, Ill. -- Grace Marie Britt, 86, of Olmsted passed away Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, in Charlottesville, Va., after a brief illness.

She was born June 5, 1926, in rural Olmsted, daughter of Frank and Maude White Schultz.

Mrs. Britt was a lifelong farmer. She briefly taught school at the one-room Concord School, which is located on her property. She was a devout and dedicated member of Center United Methodist Church and served as its secretary and treasurer for many years.

She was a licensed emergency amateur radio operator and certified as an instructor. She was a 50-year member of Eastern Star Caledonia 587 of Olive Branch, Ill., enjoyed living on her farm, tending a garden and flowers, crocheting and showing off her cooking skills by making her famous blackberry cobbler. She enjoyed traveling and camping with her husband, George, and their many Airstream camping buddies from the WBCCI Southern Illinois Club.

Mrs. Britt was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, George A. Britt; a son, Rodney George Britt; four sisters; a brother; and her parents.

Survivors include a daughter, Teresa (Dean) Inman of Charlottesville; a son, Dr. James F. (Darsi) Britt of Dawson Springs, Ky.; a daughter-in-law, Ida G. Britt of Grand Chain, Ill.; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many neighbors and friends.

Friends may call from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge, Ill., and from 10 a.m. to service time Tuesday at Center United Methodist Church. An Easter Star service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday by Caledonia Chapter 587.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with Kenny Baker officiating. Interment will be in Concord Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of memorials to Center United Methodist Church in memory of Grace M. Britt.