Mary Ruth Powell Brittain, 87, of Shelby, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 while at Shelby Manor where she was a resident. A native of Cleveland County, she was born October 15, 1938 to the late William K. Powell and Ruth Willette Powell.

Mary worked for many years as a bookkeeper for Brittain Construction. She was a member of Lafayette Street Church and of the Eastern Star Camp Call Chapter 287 in Shelby.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, George Brittain, and 2 children, Bert Brittain, and Lora Lawrence.

Survivors include her son, Bradley Brittain and wife Sandra, of Lawndale; 3 grandchildren, Jason Brittain and wife Ashley, of Greenville, SC, Jennifer Brittain, of Lawndale, and Madelyne Lawrence, of Salisbury, NC; and 2 great-grandchildren, Brylan Brittain and Layla Brittain.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, July 27, 2026 at Lafayette Street Church with Reverend Tonya Garrison officiating. Burial will follow in the Cleveland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service beginning at 12:00 noon.

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

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family.