Derlene C. Brittain

Derlene C. Brittain, 76, of Morganton, NC died Monday, September 12, 2011 at Burke Palliative Care Center following a courageous battle with her illness. Born May 16, 1935 in Burke County, NC, she was a daughter of the late Alex Crawley and Ruth Irene Dale Crawley. Derlene was a former employee of Shadowline, Inc. and was an active member of Salem United Methodist Church where she helped and supported numerous ministries.As the rock of her family, Derlene was devoted to her daughter and son-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As a caregiver to those she loved, she was an example of strength, courage, and patience.She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Rama and Jerry Ramsey of Asheville, NC; grandchildren, Tara Ramsey and Jeremy Ramsey and his wife, Tamatha; great-grandchildren, Jasmine Ramsey, Keean Pearson, Elias Gaines, Victoria Ramsey, and Ayden Ramsey; and siblings, Lucy Wellman, William Crawley and wife, Oma, Howard Crawley and wife, Alberta, Verlie Smith and husband, Earl, and Virgil Crawley and wife, Hazel, all of Morganton.

In addition to her parents, Derlene was preceded in death by her husband of forty-two years, Raymond Wesley Brittain; and brothers, Ralph and Nelson Crawley.The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 15, 2011 at Salem United Methodist Church with Reverends Mark Conforti and Randy Clark officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday in the church parlor from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Salem United Methodist Church, 1206 Salem Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home & Crematory Center is assisting the family with arrangements.