Pastor Jacob Vernon Britt, Jr., age 80, of Lumberton, went to join his Heavenly Savior and his beloved wife on Thursday, October 3, 2024. He was born in Robeson County, NC on March 11, 1944 to the late Jacob Vernon Britt, Sr. and Sarah Eloise Smith Britt.

In addition to his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Baxley Britt, and his two brothers-in-law, George Richard "Butch" Dee and Carl Mitchell "Joe" Edwards.

Vernon leaves behind a family who adored him: his son, Jacob Vernon "Jay" Britt III (Amy) of Lumberton, and his daughter, Sherri Britt Williams (Cornelius) of Clayton, NC. He is also survived by four loving sisters, Volene Britt Davis (Earl) of Morehead City, NC, Vernelle Britt Dee of Westford, MA, Mable Britt Edwards of Lumberton, and Marie Britt (Kenneth) of Lumberton. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Jonathan Britt Prevatte (Jenn), Chelsea Nicole Prevatte, Jacob Vernon Britt IV, Abigail Savannah Britt, Ava Corynn Williams, and Aubrey Anne Williams.

Vernon graduated from Littlefield High School (class of 1962), where he was Student Government President and excelled in football, baseball, and especially basketball, earning 1st Team All-Conference honors. He earned BA and M.Ed degrees from the University of North Carolina-Pembroke and a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

After teaching English at Orrum High School for twelve years (1971-1983), Vernon received God's call into the ministry. Reverend Britt served the bulk of his ministerial career at three area churches: Ten Mile Baptist (1985-1994), Center Road Baptist (1994-2007), and Pleasant Hope Baptist (2008-2016). In his retirement, he was a regular supply preacher for churches throughout the region and served briefly as Pastor for Senior Adults at East Lumberton Baptist. A devoted and humble man of faith, Rev. Britt spent over five decades serving the community as a beloved pastor, mentor, teacher, and spiritual leader. Known for his compassion, quiet strength, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to God, he touched countless lives through his ministry.

Vernon was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His forty-five years of marriage to Barbara were a beautiful testament to enduring love, partnership and faith. He cherished their time together, speaking fondly of her until his final moments.

Vernon's children and grandchildren were especially precious to him. He celebrated their accomplishments, and actively attended school, church, and athletic events to show them support and offer them guidance, wisdom, and love. Most importantly, he taught them the importance and value of having a relationship with God by the way he lived his life.

Vernon had a strong determination, a keen mind, and a quick wit. He loved to find the subtle humor in things, was a great listener, and was very easy to talk to. He enjoyed studying the Bible, attending church services, and travelling. A gifted singer and poet, he had a great appreciation for writing and good music, especially Gospel. He was an avid NC State fan and enjoyed attending Wolfpack games regularly with his family and friends. Vernon loved the beach and when he wasn't enjoying local concerts or competitive games of miniature golf and backgammon there with his family and friends, he found contentment in the quiet solitude of reading books, taking long walks on the beach, or just peacefully looking out over the water with a cold drink in his hand. Vernon's legacy of faith, kindness, humility, sincerity, and devotion to his family and friends will endure and continue to inspire the hearts of many.

A time of visitation with family and friends will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 1:00-3:00PM at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc., 809 East 5th Street, Lumberton.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 2:00PM at East Lumberton Baptist Church with Pastor Mike Bowen officiating. Burial will follow at Jackson Swamp Cemetery in Lumberton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The V Foundation, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513 (www.v.org), or to: Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Attn: Receipting Dept., 8701 Leeds Road, Kansas City, MO 64129 (www.fca.org).