Ila Kathryn Britnell

Ila Kathryn Britnell, known as Kat by her family and friends, was released from the physical constraints of her earthly body and joyfully united with her Lord and Savior on May 18, 2025—the glorious first day of her eternal life.

Kathryn was born in Horton, Alabama, on February 14, 1937, to the late Jesse and Pauline Hewett.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Britnell; siblings, Jesse Hewett, Charles Hewett, Bertha Culbert, and Irma Strage; and granddaughter, Courtney Elizabeth McDaniel.

She was an artist at heart—a phenomenal seamstress over the years, helping to dress many in her community. She loved her garden and created a welcoming oasis in her yard. She taught many to crochet, and over the course of her life, donated hundreds of blankets to the Save-A-Life Foundation.

Her servant’s heart led her to spend much of her life in service to her church and family at Memorial United Methodist Church of Selma, Alabama. She loved her God and her family with fervor. By nature, she was a helper of others—never an idle moment. She was always making something, doing something, or doing something for others—old friends and new. She had an open heart with love for all.

Kathryn is survived by her daughters, Donna (Colin) Adendorff and Debra (William) McDaniel; grandson, Matthew (Chandler) McDaniel; great-grandchildren, Jenna Cavanah, Miles McDaniel and Emery McDaniel; sister, Ruth Hewett and her beloved Stefanie New, RN of McGuffey Healthcare. 

Graveside services will be Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at New Live Oak Cemetery with William McDaniel officiating and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home of Selma directing. There will be no visitation.

The family wishes to express immense gratitude to Gentiva Hospice and McGuffey Healthcare of Gadsden, Alabama. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Selma Area Food Bank; at www.selmafoodbank.com