Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
WILLARD BRITTAIN Obituary
WILLARD W. BRITTAIN "Woody"
On January 25, 2013, Willard W. "Woody" Brittain, Jr. of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Princeton, New Jersey, passed on surrounded by family and friends after a three-year battle with ALS. Woody Brittain was a native of Arlington, Virginia, and graduated from Wakefield High School in 1966. He earned a B.A. in Economics at Yale University in 1970 and a MBA in Finance at Harvard University School of Business in 1972.Woody led the Washington, DC, office of Price Waterhouse from 1983 for ten years and was a member of its board of directors. In 1994, he was appointed Price Waterhouse Chief Operating Officer and moved to New York City. There he directed the historic merger of Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand. Woody's management talents led to his election to the boards of five Fortune 500 companies. Upon his retirement from Pricewaterhouse Coopers in 2003, Woody founded the executive search and consulting firm Professional Resources on Demand.A dedicated volunteer, Woody mentored dozens of young people while also serving on the boards of the National Urban League, the Northern Virginia Urban League, LEAD, the YMCA of New York City, and the Washington Ballet. As a Yale alumnus, Woody established the Yale ORD Leadership Program and the Brittain-Palmer Fund for innovative programs of the Yale Afro-American Cultural Center. In addition, he served on the Yale Corporation Audit Committee and the Dean's Board of Advisors of the Harvard Business School. Yale University bestowed its highest alumni honor, The Yale Medal, on Woody in November of 2011.He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Deborah Carpenter Brittain, daughter Lindsey Elwin Brittain, of New York City, sister Barbara Y. Brittain, of Arlington, Virginia, and numerous loving relatives. Services will be held Friday, February 1, at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 1601 13th Road South, Arlington, Virginia 22204. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Homegoing Services at 11:30 AM. Interment will follow at Pleasant Valley Memorial Cemetery, 8420 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, Virginia 22003. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Woody's memory to the National Urban League, 120 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005 .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WILLARD BRITTAIN
Norman Henderson
January 25, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Grace Evans
February 26, 2014
May the peace of God continue to comfort you and Lindsey, and may God continue to bless, keep, and guide you as you continue in the legacy of your loving husband and great father who cared about his community and the development of others. (From the Evans family, Fairfax, VA).
BETTYE CARPENTER
January 3, 2014
DEAREST DEBORAH, I JUST LEARNED OF WOODY'S PASSING THIS PAST DECEMBER FROM ARTHUR CARPENTER. I WAS DEEPLY SADDENED THAT WOODY HAS PASSED AND WANT TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY...EVEN THOUGH MUCH TIME HAS NOW PASSED. I PRAY THAT YOU HAVE AND ARE BEING COMFORTED BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, PRAYER, PASSAGE OF TIME, AND THE WONDERFUL LOVE AND MEMORIES THAT YOU ALL SHARED. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AND KEEP YOU AND LINDSAY. LOVE, BETTYE CARPENTER
April 29, 2013
Hi Deborah and family,
I just recently heard of Woodis's passing. I would like to extend my condolences. Syl (Julius) thought so highly of Woodie and you. He talked ofen about you.
My prayers are with you at this time.
Regards, Julia Brown
Lydia Jones Cole
April 18, 2013
Debbie,
I'm so sorry to hear about Woody's illness and passing. We'll keep you and Lindsey in our prayers.
Katia Prudent
March 16, 2013
Dear Brittain Family,
Although it is impossible to see beyond your pain,may we look back to good memories to comfort and help you today. May your heart and soul find peace and happiness.
May the blessings of God be upon you,
may peace is always within your soul,
may its essence illuminate your heart,
now and forever more. I will continue keeping your family in my prayers.
March 6, 2013
Dear Deborah,
Franklin and I are deeply saddened to learn of Woody's passing. I think of you so often and always remember you in my prayers.
In deepest sympathy,
Wardell
March 1, 2013
May the peace of God remain with you and Lindsey, in the loss of a loving husband and father. Just learned of this tonight. God bless you. Herb "Dickie" and Carolyn Vincent, Falls Church,VA.
February 26, 2013
Dear Deborah and Lindsey- My deepest condolences to you and your entire family....Woody loved you both deeply...and you him !
He is at peace and Deborah knowing that there was true meaning in your vows at your marriage ...'in sickness and in health" may he rest in peace ...and may you both find comfort in his place with our Lord >
gary bailey
Johncie Lancaster
February 9, 2013
Dear Soror Debbie, my heart aches for you. You and Woody were such an inspiring couple; so loving. My your days soon be brighter. May God watch over you and Lindsay. With love always, Soror Johncie Lancaster, Washington, DC
Janet Dickerson and J. Paul Stephens
February 8, 2013
Dear Deborah, we were deeply sorry to learn of Woody's passing. He was a gentle and sturdy giant among men! We celebrate his life and mourn his passing. With deepest sympathy,
Peter Beasley
February 5, 2013
Debbie
I am so sadden.
As you may recall, I worked with Woody for 10+ years in the PW Washington office. I have never forgotten Woody.
I recently launced a new company. As I thought about who I might seek for advice I wrote a list of names last week. I am looking at this list as I write. The name at the top was Woody, I did not know of his troubles.
My sincerest condolences to you and Lindsey.
Peter Beasley
Norman Henderson
February 5, 2013
Deb(Tookie)so sorry to hear about Woody. My GOD continue to Bless you as I know he will. He will be remembered as one of the good & great ones.
Angela Hayes-Toliver
February 5, 2013
Barbara and Family you have my deepest sympathy in the passing of Woody. I saw this in the Post and wanted to extend my sympathy. My family, Margaret and Jerry and I grew up with you both in Arlington. Take care.
Jacqueline Swain
February 5, 2013
Hi Deborah. My heart was saddened to hear about Woody's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know you loved him, but we both know that God loved him best!
Jacquelyn Simmons
February 4, 2013
Dear Soror Debbie & Lindsey,
"Death Leaves A Heartache No One Can Heal, Love Leaves a Memory That No One Can Steal." (Gaelic origin).
May the many precious memories you have of your time with your beloved "Woody" sustain you now and forever.
Much Peace & Many Blessings,
KK Piper
February 4, 2013
Debbie,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. You might not remember me but my husband Guy worked with Woody at PW in the 70's. We moved to Denver in 1982 but I have very fond memories of you both. After reading about Woodys life it is clear that he lead a wonderful life and it is clear he had a very positive impacted many many people.
Carolyn & Traci Arnold
February 4, 2013
Debbie may God bless you and your daughter.
Annette Allgood
February 4, 2013
Dear Deborah and Lindsey, our family will never forget Woody's many kindnesses to us, or how much we enjoyed having been your neighbors in Alexandria. Our love goes out to you and all those hurting from your terrible loss.
February 4, 2013
Dear Big Cousin "Woody", you will be deeply missed and although you are absent from the body, your spirit and our family's precious memories of you will carry on in our hearts forever. Your legacy will carry on forever. You will always be a great role-model and inspiration to anyone who ever knew you.
Love Always, your little cousin Jeannine Holmes, Washington, DC
February 2, 2013
Deborah and Lindsey: may God Bless you all and the legacy that Woody leaves is truly inspirational. I am honored to have been his cousin and will use his life story as a living example what and how to live a full life- Danny
Yvette S. Mabry
February 1, 2013
Sorors Deborah and Lindsey, I am so greatful to have shared in your Celebration of Life for "Woody" your dear husband and father. A beautiful service. May God continue to bless you, keep you lifted and be the source of your strength.
With sincerest sympathy,
Soror Yvette.
Kim Boyd Leathers
February 1, 2013
Soror Deborah, you and your family certainly have my sympathy and prayers for God's sustained grace.
February 1, 2013
May the peace of God be a source of comfort as you grieve the loss of your dear loved one. He will truly be missed by all.
Audrey Fisher Jefferson
January 31, 2013
To big sister Barbara, Debbie and Lindsey, sing songs of joy as you celebrate the life of a wonderful, God fearing man who is still watching over you with that constant smile
Sheila Brown
January 31, 2013
Debbie, Lindsey and other Family Members,
May the memories of the wonderful life you shared, put a smile on your face, laughter in your heart and sustain you during this period of bereavement. Woody will always be with you.
Ngozi Okorafor
January 31, 2013
To the Brittain Family:
We are so pained to hear of the passing of the great Willard "Woody" Brittain. While this is a tremendous loss to the Yale community, we honor Woody's memory and lifelong impact on so many students at Yale. He will remain a true Yalie in every sense of the word, lifting up others as he made his own mark.
May Woody rest in perfect peace!
Yale Black Alumni Association
Ngozi C. Okorafor,
Chair, Member Care Committee
Felicia Richardson
January 31, 2013
Deborah,
My prayers are with you during this time. May the Lord grant you peace and comfort. Woody will be missed dearly from our DaVita family. Be blessed and may the heavens smile upon you all.
Roger Smith
January 31, 2013
Debbie and Lindsay, our prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. Peggie and I were so sadden to hear of the passing of Woody, a former co-worker, a fellow parisoner, and most importantly a good friend. Our prayers are with you.
Laurel Brittain-Freeman
January 31, 2013
Deborah, You're in our thoughts..You're in our prayers.
Love, Laurel Brittain-Freeman and Family
January 31, 2013
Debbie, Lindsay and Barbara,
My deepest sympathy go out to you and your family for the passing of your husband, father, and brother, Willard "Woody" Brittain. It's never easy losing a loved one. Although it's hard for those who are left behind, remember that time and prayer are the best healers of the heart. Take comfort in knowing that your husband, father and brother was called to take his place with the Lord. The love and memories that you shared with Woody will always be in your heart, for they never fade away. May God continue to bless each of you during this sad occasion and for all time to come. I will continue to keep each of you in my heart and in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Connie Jackson Mullins
Arlington, Va.
Barbara Owens
January 31, 2013
To Barbara and Debbie sorry to hear of Woodys passing my prayers are with you at this time
Linda Cobb
January 31, 2013
Deborah and Lindsey hold onto God's unchanging hands. My prayers are with you and your family. Love you,
Harriet Atkinson
January 31, 2013
Deborah, My prayers for your peace and comfort are extended to you and your family through this hour. Receive the power of His grace and be strengthened.
Crozet & Carol Johnson
January 31, 2013
Our heartfelt sympathies to the family.
Patricia Broussard
January 31, 2013
Dear Debbie and Lindsay,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers go to you and the entire family and all the friends who love you and Woody so very much. Please take comfort in a life well-lived.
Sincerely,
Arlene Coachman-Smith
January 31, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Blanche Maness
January 31, 2013
God will continue to comfort and bless you for your new angel has ascended the heavens. I will remember the great love story you and Woody lived. My prayers to you Debbie, Lindsey and your entire familiy.
Della Lockett
January 30, 2013
Deborah and Family, it is with deep sympathy that I send my heartfelt condolences. Being that Woody and I grew up on Johnson Hill, coming up where families in the community were each others family, we had a wonderful childhood. We grew up in Mt. Olive and just had a wonderful time as children. Woody was always the smart one and kept us laughing. I say although he's left this earth, he is in the devine house of the Lord. So years will pass - time marches on, but good it is to know, some friendships are forever--In heaven and here below.
Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results
Make a Donation
in WILLARD BRITTAIN's name
Memorial Events
for WILLARD BRITTAIN
How to support WILLARD's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor WILLARD BRITTAIN's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
