Weldon Ray Powell has been arrested and charged with murder in the death of his wife, Brittany May Powell, 34, near Quitman, according to a press release from Wood County Sheriff Kelly Cole.

According to the release, WCSO deputies responded to a welfare concern on CR 1226 in Quitman on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, family members had been unable to contact Brittany Powell for around three days before authorities were called.

Brittany Powell was found deceased at the couple’s residence. Deputies subsequently located Weldon Powell in the Holiday Villages area and took him into custody, according to the affidavit.

According to county jail records, Powell is being held on a $1 million surety bond. The investigation remains ongoing.

 “Our hearts ache at the loss of Brittany Powell,” Megan Whitworth, executive director of the Quitman Chamber of Commerce and a friend of Brittany’s, said. “Brittany was a bright light in our community. You could walk into Honor Coffee and she would greet you with a warm smile. She was a joy, a pure joy, to be around.”

Similar messages have been shared across local social media.

“People like Brittany are rare. And we are so grateful for her. For the friendships, the laughter shared, and the memories we’ll treasure forever,” Whitworth said. “May we continue to share her light in the way we treat others, the kindness we extend, and the joy we bring into the lives of those around us. In that way, a little piece of Brittany will continue to live on in our community.”

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Brittany Powell’s family at gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-brittany-may.

“Brittany was the kind of person who would help anyone in need, and Brittany’s compassion, caring heart, and her love for Jesus touched everyone she knew and loved,” the fundraiser page reads.

“Brittany leaves behind her parents, siblings, step-children, nieces, nephews, grandparents, and many other loved ones who are now facing an unimaginable loss.”