Jenell Britt

Jenell Britt died at Redlands Community Hospital on January 21, 2010 at the age of 76. Born on April 24, 1933 in Tatum, New Mexico, she was the second daughter of Carl and Daisy Bedwell. She lived with her family on their 4480 acre sheep ranch fifty miles east of Roswell until the family moved to Redlands in 1946. Jenell attended Redlands Junior High and graduated from Redlands High School in 1951. After graduating from Chaffey College, Jenell worked at the University of Redlands in the Recorder's Office and as secretary to the plant manager at Universal-Rundle. She and her husband Rex were married on June 13, 1954 while he was a student at the University of Redlands. Following his graduation in 1955, Rex entered the ministry in the United Methodist Church and they served churches in California, Arizona and Hawaii where he was the District Superintendent. The Britts lived in Redlands while Rex was pastor of Redlands First United Methodist Church from 1983 to 1991. They returned to Redlands in retirement in 1998. Jenell was a stay-at-home mom until her children were both in school, when she worked as a school secretary. She has always been active in the life of the church working closely with her husband during 43 years of active ministry. In 1984 Jenell was a Kimberly Crest docent. She was active in Plymouth Associates for many years, having served as president. She is past president of the Clergy Mates organization of California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church. Jenell was initiated into P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter DW, Redlands, California in 1999. Besides her husband Rex, Jenell leaves two children and two grandchildren. Their son, Mike Britt lives in Mentone. Daughter Debra Gara and her husband Dan live in Monrovia, California. Granddaughters are Danelle Fiske of Rocklin, California and Carly Fiske of Redlands. Jenell also leaves a sister, Carla Hale of Port Hueneme, Ca. Jenell will be missed by all who knew her. A friend described her as more than beautiful, a rare diamond with a sparkle and lovely smile that attracted others to her. In a room full of people, she could be seen as the rare gem you wanted to know better. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday February 6 at Redlands First United Methodist Church, One East Olive. She will be buried at Hillside Memorial Park with a private service under the care of Emmerson Bartlett Memorial Chapel. Memorial donations may be made to the Jenell Britt Memorial at Redlands First United Methodist Church.