Wilmington native, Catherine Brittain Harrell, passed away peacefully Thursday morning in her Burgaw home surrounded by family.

Catherine, born September 3, 1928, was 86 at her passing.
Born and raised in Wilmington, Catherine moved to Burgaw upon marriage where she was active both socially and civically. Of the Episcopal faith, she was a lifetime member of St. Mary's Episcopal. She was not only a loving wife and mother but also a patron. She served over 25 years as Assistant Clerk of Court for Pender County. She later came out of retirement serving as Secretary to Pender County Sheriff Mike Harvell. She enjoyed world travels, gardening, the Becker bridge club and collecting oriental trinkets and treasures. After "Hugh's" death, she spent time taking daytrips with Elizabeth, watched NASCAR and Tennis with her sister Doris, and cruised around Burgaw, "staying in the know". In later years, she also had an interest in genealogy, discovering the roots of her family's lineage with nephew Jack. Catherine was an entertainer at heart, always witty, outgoing, and up for a good time.


Catherine will be greatly missed by her family and those she knew. She left a lasting impression on new acquaintances and old friends alike. Family and friends find comfort in knowing that she now joins loved ones in the house of the Lord.


Daughter of Arthur Gordon and Beulah Beery Brittain, Catherine was preceded in death by 4 siblings - William, David, Doris (Brockmeier), Agnes (Noe)- and her beloved husband, Hubert R. Harrell. Catherine is survived by daughters: Cathy Tompkins (Jacky, deceased), Rebecca Yates (John), Martha Thomas (Wendell) Doris Robbins-Cavanaugh (David); Grandchildren: Mimi Collins (Jimmy Bowden), Larry Collins (Amy), Anthony Tompkins, Laura Hansen (Chris), John, Jr. Yates (Cady), Derrell Thomas (deceased), Julia Thomas, Edward Lippard, Jacob Lippard (Melinda), Leigh Robbins-Hurd (Carl), Eryn Robbins, Courtney Cavanuagh, Hannah Cavanuagh, 20 great-grandchildren and her faithful friend and sidekick, Elizabeth Herring.


Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday March 18th, from 11:00 AM-12:30PM at Harrell's Funeral Home in Burgaw. A private, graveside service is planned.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Community Home Care and Hospice of Leland or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.