Margaret-Ann “Marti” Brown

1964 - 2026

Margaret-Ann “Marti” Brown (Grill), 62, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on September 27, 2026. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Marti lived in various places throughout her life before settling in Winston-Salem. She was preparing to return to Wilmington, North Carolina, a place she looked forward to calling home again.

Marti was a strong Christian woman whose unwavering faith in God was a cornerstone of her life. She loved deeply, lived authentically, and never apologized for being exactly who she was. Her honesty, bold personality, and ability to make people laugh and feel loved will be remembered by all who knew her.

Marti dedicated more than 42 years of her life to working as a server in the restaurant industry. Throughout the years, she built countless relationships and touched the lives of many people through her hard work and unmistakable personality.

One of Marti’s greatest joys was camping. Camp life was more than a hobby to her; it was something she talked about constantly. One of her goals was to travel across the country, visiting different campgrounds and experiencing all that the country had to offer. She was happiest making memories and dreaming about her next adventure.

Above all else, Marti loved her children and grandchildren. She loved them fiercely and unconditionally, and she spoiled the “grands” every chance she got. Her family was her greatest source of joy, and the memories she created with them will be treasured forever.

Marti is survived by her children: MaryRose Griffith (Cameron) and her children, Tyrese, TyShaun, Marielle, and CJ; Anna Smith (Jonathan) and her children, Isabella and Jackson; Johnna Griffith (Jeremy) and her daughter, RyLee; and Caroline Moore (LaTrell) and her son, Kairo. She is also survived by numerous beloved cousins, aunts, uncles, extended family members, and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Raymond J. Grill, and her parents, Raymond J. Grill and Rosemary M. Grill.

Though her absence leaves an unimaginable space in the hearts of those who loved her, her family finds comfort in knowing that her faith carried her through this life and that she is now at peace in the presence of her Lord.

A celebration of Marti’s life will be planned by her daughters, with details to be communicated as soon as arrangements are finalized.

“Until we meet again, Mom. We love you more than you could ever know.”

Tributes

12 tributes for Margaret-Ann “Marti” Brown

  1. Caroline Griffith

    I love you mom!!!

    Reply
  2. James Smith

    Marti, you will definitely be missed.
    I enjoyed our friendship through our children. Was glad I got to know you, after you came to Winston -Salem.
    I will always remember sharing Thanksgiving dinner, cookouts and our chat sessions at Jonathan and Annie’s.
    But the main thing I’ll always remember you sharing your testimony and how the Lord worked in your life.
    Cagney’s and circle K lost a valuable employee and your family lost a great mother and grandmother.

    Reply
  3. Anna Smith

    I love you more than anything mom. I miss you so much. You were such a wonderful human. You were the best mom: loved me no matter what, Spoke to me even when you were mad, and no one ever had to guess what your opinion was on anything! 😂

    Our Sunday visits to circle k for Bella’s treats are going to be weird. You not showing up with toys the kids didn’t need is going to be weird. I wanted to text you about 50 times over the past few days to vent, and I can’t.

    I know you’re praising and worshipping in heaven more than anyone else ❤️❤️

    Reply
  4. Elizabeth and Ken Jordan

    Anna , we know you and your family will miss your mom so much. It’s a blessing that she knew your children and your life with Jonathan and a blessing that they knew her. We are praying for all of you as you celebrate her life!
    Elizabeth and Ken Jordan

    Reply
  5. Christine

    I will always cherish our times and the memories we shared. She is in heaven flying with the angels, I will always miss her. She was an amazing friend.

    Reply
  6. Chloe Long

    To know her was to love her! Marti, you will always be remembered. Thank you for the stories shared, the advice given, the laughs, and most importantly for always keeping it real and for being exactly who you were! Your testimony was such a beautiful thing! Many of the words Marti spoke will be carried with me throughout life. I will miss you dearly until we meet again ❤️
    Friend and coworker (Cagneys)

    Reply
  7. Celeste Pruitt

    Marti moo! Oh how I miss you so much already. I miss our talks outside at work already so much. I will never ever be able to go to circle k again because your not there anymore to greet me when I walk in the door. I want you to know how much we all loved you and how much we respected your hard working self. No matter what you wouldnt stop until your dream to travel happened! You were so close, but God had bigger things in store for you. Now your camping in heaven. You taught me so much and your words will stick with me the rest of my life. I love you so much and I am so happy I got to spend time with you like I did. We will miss you so much. Cagneys will never be the same without you. Shine down on us marti moo! We love you!

    Reply
  8. Karlee Sykes

    Marti Moo,

    From the moment I met you at Cagney’s, I knew you would become one of my “work moms.” I’ll never forget finding out that I passed your house every time I went to and from work, and how that led to you giving me the nickname “Beep Beep.” That nickname will always remind me of you.Thank you for teaching me how the world should treat me, reminding me of my worth, and encouraging me to never let my light go dim. You brought so much joy and light to Cagney’s, and you will be deeply missed by your coworkers and so many others.I’ll always remember our conversations about your camper and how excited you were to go to Wilmington with your family. I hope you’re having the best time in Heaven, surrounded by all the camping and beaches you could ever want.There is so much more I could say, but for now, thank you for being you. You will always hold a special place in my heart.

    Love,
    “Beep Beep”
    Cagney’s Coworker 🤍

    Reply
  9. Reggie Brown

    Blessed by the life we lived and the times we shared. Through the worst times of our lives we found each other to manage it all, even though our marriage didn’t work our friendship and faith in each other never did. You gave me the belief and the strength to overcome anything.. I will never stop loving you and thanking you for giving me strength, faith and wisdom. Thank you for every moment we spent through the fights and kisses you were my strength. As always I will miss you. And yes I have been making my bed up….

    Reply
  10. Barb Seitz

    I am so sorry for the loss of your mom Mary Rose, Anna, Johnna, and Caroline. My memories of her are full of gratitude for her presence in my family’s lives.
    25 years ago as I was dealing with cancer and 4 young children she stepped in and helped me immensely! She gave rides to and from school, she brought Maryrose over to help or babysit. She made me laugh most all. Although we didn’t keep in touch she and all of you have had a special place in my heartt. God bless each of you and comfort your broken hearts.

    Reply
  11. Caroline Griffith

    I really miss you ma. You should be here

    Reply
  12. Maryrose Griffith

    Mommy,
    I miss you so much!!! I miss our everyday phone calls! I miss hearing your voice!!! I never thought this day would come and I would have to live without you!!! This isn’t how it was supposed to be!!! You were my best friend, no matter what we went through or how far we were apart we always stayed close!!! My heart is broken and I know its always going to have a huge missing hole!!! I know you’re not suffering anymore and that you truly are at peace and walking with Jesus!!! I love you with all my heart always and forever!!! Until we meet again!!!❤️❤️❤️

    Reply

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