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It is with heavy hearts and profound love that we announce the passing of Connie Louise Britt, a woman whose life was a beautiful tapestry of music, nature, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear. Connie was a force of nature—at once a gentle caregiver and a spirited enthusiast who filled every room she entered with melody and warmth. She passed away on March 25, 2026, at the age of 69.
Connie was predeceased by her husband, Joseph D. Britt; her parents, Cecil Adolph Blackburn and Ola Mai Blackburn; her sisters, Anna Mai Jernigan, Rebecca Jarrard, and Darlene Blackburn; and her beloved son, Christopher Ted Blackburn.
She is survived by her brother, John Shirle; her sister, Melissa (Ray) Lewie; her children, Shannon (Lynette) Radford, Tomara Lynn Radford, Anna Marie (Lee) Brisco, and Madison (Nick) Christy; her daughters-in-law, Tracy Gafgen and Karen Blackburn; as well as her cherished grandchildren, Joshua, Devin (Meg), Brice (Noelys), Aiyana, Christian (Taylor), Xander, Kaylee, Trey, Braden, Tobin, Eason, Harper, Luke, Trevor, and Sequoyah (Nannies Peanut). Her great-grandson, Niall, and another great-grandson on the way, as well as many nieces and nephews, also survive her.
A Life in Bloom and Song
Connie’s life was rich with beauty, creativity, and joy. She had an innate gift for finding and nurturing life wherever she went. Whether it was through her blooming gardens, where she spent countless hours cultivating vibrant sanctuaries, or through the treasured antiques she collected, Connie's ability to create beauty and bring life to any space was unmatched.
Connie was a dedicated special needs teacher at Spring Valley. She found great joy in teaching her students horticulture and weightlifting, guiding their growth and development both in and outside of the classroom.
Music was the heartbeat of Connie’s life. She served as the church secretary and pianist, using her musical talent to lift the spirits of those around her. Whether seated at the piano or sharing her voice in song, Connie knew that music could express what words often could not. She was generous in sharing this gift with her family, her community, and all who had the pleasure of hearing her play.
A Legacy of Teamwork and Tradition
Connie’s love for the game of baseball and softball was equally passionate. A dedicated softball coach, she instilled a sense of teamwork, determination, and joy in every player she worked with. Her competitive spirit, coupled with her encouragement, made her a beloved figure in and out of the dugout. Connie followed her grandson through his baseball games, endlessly traveling out of town and attending game after game. She became Nannie Connie and Bonus Mom to so many, cheering loudly for each and every baseball player she loved. Some of her happiest memories were spent at the beach, where she found both peace and inspiration, her toes in the sand, listening to the waves.
The Heart of the Family
Above all, Connie was the heart of her family. To her siblings, she was a steadfast sister. To her children, a guiding and loving mother. To her many friends, a loyal and cherished companion. Her role as a nanny and great-grandmother was where her light truly shone. She poured her love into the next generation, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and a bit of her signature wit.
Connie’s life was as full and varied as the gardens she tended—whether through her work as a florist and landscaper, her dedication to her family, or the service she gave to her community. She taught those who loved her how to find beauty in the everyday, how to weather life's storms with grace, and how to love deeply without reservation.
Connie Britt lived a life that was as rich and vibrant as the flowers she nurtured. While we mourn her passing, we celebrate the incredible woman she was—the one who taught us how to see the "Special Walnut" in the rough, how to sing through the hard times, and how to embrace life with open arms.
A Celebration of Life will be held at her home on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM, at 306 Ida Lane, Columbia, SC 29203. All who knew her are invited to join the family in honoring and celebrating her remarkable life.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Connie Louise Britt, please visit our floral store.