Margaret Mitchell Britt

Mrs. Margaret Laverne Mitchell Britt, age 80, passed away on the 1st day of March, 2026, at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, North Carolina, concluding a two-year battle with vascular dementia. Margaret passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by loved ones. She had been a resident of Micro, North Carolina for over 50 years where she regularly opened her home to anyone in need of a place to rest or a hot meal to eat, and even had a daycare for several decades. She cared for her daycare children, she remembered every last one, even into her last years. She was a beloved Wife, Mama, Nan, Sister, and Faithful Servant of Christ who loved and delighted in His word.

She is survived by her loving husband of 61½ Years, Mr. Billy Ray Britt, Sr., whom she loved, “More than a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck.”; her son, Mr. Billy Ray Britt, Jr. and wife, Karla Thompson Britt; and grandson, Mr. Cole Britt, whom she loved dearly, all the way until the end. Margaret was one of eight siblings, all of whom she loved deeply. Surviving are her sisters, Mrs. Beulah Mosley and Mrs. Jean Little; and brother, Mr. Harvey Mitchell.

Preceding Margaret in death were her parents, Flora Jane Mitchell and Walter Mitchell; her beloved daughter Nataly Lynn Britt, who passed away in 1988; and five siblings, Mr. Kelly Mitchell, Mrs. Sally Thompson, Mrs. Ruth Parrish, Mrs. Lucille Fuller, and Mrs. Eula Hollowell.

Throughout her eighty years, Margaret survived many physical pains, severe arthritis, herniated discs, and breast cancer. She survived dangerous accidents as well as painfull surgical procedures, but she found her strength in the love she had for her family, and from Christ, her Lord and Savior. More than any physical pain she suffered, she suffered the heartbreak of loss, time and time again. She turned her losses and pain into a way of understanding people and loving many through their own tragedies and losses.

Margaret said that she visited a church in Micro, North Carolina, when she was 14 years old. During the service, God saw fit to regenerate her heart, to grand her repentance, and to hold her perfectly in Salvation until her time to go home to Him. She was a faithful member of Niagara International Pentecostal Holiness Church, where she taught Sunday School and occasionally delivered the message, filling in when she was asked. She joyfully served through hospitality and labored diligently to serve others through the kitchen. She was well known for her Black Walnut Cakes, Apple Jacks, Country Ham, Fried Sausage, Home Made Biscuits, and many other beloved foods and desserts prepared for church gatherings.

She was steadfast in prayer for her church, for her family and loved ones, and even for people she had never met. If she was asked to pray for someone, she would pray at the same time she was asked, lifting anyone’s request faithfully to the Father in their times of sickness or hardship. For decades, Margaret and her husband, Billy, prayed together over coffee each morning before beginning the day, throughout the day, and they would also pray before going to sleep, wholeheartedly believing that God would hear their request and grant it if in His will.

Margaret’s ministry extended beyond her church walls. She officiated over 80 funerals, offering love, comfort, hope, and the assurance of faith to grieving families during their most difficult moments. If Margaret knew that someone was hurting, no matter the time of day, and irrespective of morning plans, she would be wherever she could to comfort people and then point them to Christ.

More than anything, Margaret loved her family. Few ever have the blessing to say that they were loved as deeply as Margaret loved her family. She welcomed everyone into her home gladly, always offering to cook, no matter the hour. She stayed up late watching television to spend more time with her husband and grandson, and she never missed an opportunity to remind her loved ones just how much they were loved. She told them before leaving the house, when they got home, before going to sleep, or whenever she felt they needed to hear it: her family and friends will long to hear her express her love again for the rest of their lives, and will hang on to the last times they heard her say it, and treat it like the treasured memory it is.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 2:00pm, in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors one-hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:00pm. Burial will follow in Selma Memorial Gardens. Flowers are appreciated.

Margaret will be incessantly missed by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her day-making smile, her exemplary strength through life’s hardships, her steadfast faith, and the endless love she gave so freely. Above all, she leaves behind a multitude of lives made better by having known her, and by having been loved by her.

Online condolences can be made at www.parrishfh.com.