Ruth Parker Brittain Fulbright

Ruth Odell Parker Brittain Fulbright, affectionately known as “Memaw,” went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at her residence following a brief illness.

Ruth was born April 7, 1928 in Lincoln County, a daughter of the late Zebulon Greer and Minnie Lee Hartman Parker. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in passing by her husband, Paul Edward Brittain; one sister; five brothers; and her daughter, Linda Susan Brittain Cook.

Memaw loved her family, and she was like a second mother to her grandchildren. She and her own mother were often seen working on the many quilts they passed down. Her love of quilting later transitioned into work as a seamstress at the hosiery mill. Later in life, she continued to work closely with people as a caregiver. Memaw loved to be outside in her garden. She grew a variety of flowers, but she was most proud of her African violets and sprawling rose bushes. Her green thumb carried over from the garden into the kitchen. She was always canning the many vegetables she grew and prepared many different dishes using them. Her favorite dish was her special pound cake.

In the warmer months, she could often be seen on her riding lawnmower manicuring her lawn to perfection. She was equally particular about her hair, which always had to be rolled and curled. It was her desire to always be coordinated and well put together, whether she was at home or out in public.

Those left to cherish her memory include her grandchildren, Lisa B. Walker (Jason), and Lorie B. Woodward (Woody), and Dennis Buchanan, Jr., (Amanda); great grandchildren, Ethan Herman and Coral Buchanan; special nephew, Michael Parker; great niece and nephew, Haley Burns, Jason, and Rondal; great nephew, Stephen Parker; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service with Carolina Caring Hospice’s Chaplain Rob Helton officiating. Interment will follow the service at Hebron Church Cemetery of Vale.

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Heritage Funeral Service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Carolina Caring Hospice and Sherrills Ford Hospice for helping Lisa to care for “Memaw” the last two years. They would like to especially mention Valerie, who came every Tuesday and Friday to give her shower; Justine, her nurse; Janie, her social worker; and Chaplain Rob, who would come by the house to visit and pray with Ruth and Lisa; and sweet Sherry Minor, a family friend and caregiver. They loved her, and she loved them.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.