Mrs. Jean Elizabeth Brittain Scales passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Atrium Cleveland, Shelby, NC. She was born on October 1, 1914, in Canton, OH, to the late Mr. Tillman A. Brittain and Mrs. Mary R. Brittain. At 109, she was the last surviving sibling from a family of 10 children, which included five sisters, Matilda Brittain, Klarissa Branch, Catherine Caldwell, Nancy Gee, and Georgia Brittain; and four brothers, Wilson Brittain, Felix Brittain, Loving Brittain, Edward Brittain.

Mrs. Scales was married to the late Mr. Robert Sir Walter Raleigh Scales from Wadesboro, NC. To this union they became parents of three children, a son, the late Robert Tillman Scales called “Bobby Jean”, a son Bernard E. Scales (Hazel), of Cary, NC, and a daughter, Stephanie Scales, of Shelby, NC. She has seven grandchildren; Felicia Scales Vinson (James), Robert Scales III, Johnnie Perry Jr., Stephen Perry, Sharon Scales, Tonya Mayo (Marcus), Gianellie Perry, and ten great grandchildren, 13 great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mrs. Scales was a member of Waddell ChapelA.M.E. Zion church since she was a young woman. She was a devoted church member and had served on various church committees, Senior Choir, Missionary Society, Steward’s Board, Church Anniversary Committee, Friends and Family Committee, and Chairperson of the Annual Women’s Day Program. Mrs. Scales was the first organizer of the Waddell Chapel Annual Green Tea Fundraiser Program. This program was highly successful and provided a source of funds for the church. There are numerous other fundraiser programs and special church programs that were coordinated by Mrs. Scales during her lifetime. She was well loved by all at Waddell Chapel A.M.E. Zion church.

Mrs. Scales received her early education in the Canton, OH, school systems before the family relocated to Morganton, NC. She received her high school diploma from Olive Hill High School in Morganton. She also attended Allen High School in Asheville NC, where she received degree/certificates in economics and music. When she moved to Shelby, under the tutelage of Dr. J.D. Kibler, Mrs. Scales became an accomplished soprano soloist. She was called upon by various organizations, churches, and other people to perform at a wide variety of venues, including weddings, funerals, Christmas and Easter programs, other special events and cantatas. She continued to have a strong voice and sang to the Lord with conviction, spirit, and passion.

Among Mrs. Scales notable accomplishments in the community include being the oldest member of the Shelby Negro Woman’s Club of over 80 years. She held various offices while in the club and was recognized as Woman of the Year on 2 occasions andreceived theprestigious Cory Rippy Memorial Award and plaque. She was instrumental in helping to establish the Annual Debutante Ball to recognize the achievements and accomplishments of aspiring and promising young Black women from the greater Cleveland County area. Many of those debutantes have gone on to establish businesses and have successful careers. She retired as a salesperson with the Hudson Department store and worked in other capacities with the Burns Family at Carolina Dairy.

Mrs. Scales had an overwhelming passion forflowers and enjoyed gardening and making flower arrangements. She was always seen “mastering” her bed of flowers or gardening until hours after dark.Accordingly, she played a key role in establishing the first and only Green Thumb Garden Club for Black women. She is the recipient of the prestigious Governor Jim Hunt Ward for Foster Grandparent of the Year. She also received congratulations from President George Bush at the Annual Point of Light Award.She was an advocate and champion for the United Way, and served as a long-time member, contributor, and advocate for the NAACP, helping to organize the first Civil Rights Sit-in and Demonstration Movements in Shelby, and various voter registration and community outreach initiatives.

Mrs. Scaleswas known famously as a “sharp Sunday dresser‘ atall events and special occasions“, her 1st soprano voice, and special cooking dishes. She owed her longevity, health, and ability to “give back” as a servant and witness to all of God’s blessings. She was affectionately known as “mom, grandmom, grammy, me maw and some say, “Mother Scales”. Aside from bringing her children into this world, she taught them and many, many other children, and people the values of life. She exemplified the meaning of sacrificial love by demonstrating that in her service and giving back in various ways during her life. Her service in life can be embodied in the expression from Abraham Lincoln, “All I am or ever hope to be, I owe it all to my angel mother”.

Mother Scales was a beautiful, spirited woman with a deep sense of God’ blessings, grace, and mercy during her life of good times and troubled pain. Her love was endless and unconditional no matter how difficult things can be. She was a true woman of God and will be sorely missed.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Wardell Chapel AME Zion Church, Shelby, NC at 12:00 PM, with visitation beginning at 11:00 AM.

Burial will take place at Webb Memorial Lawns, Shelby, NC.