Orpah Grubbs Brown

Orpah Grubbs Brown, loving mother and grandmother, age 97, of Marietta, G.A., passed away peacefully on February 2, 2021. Her infectious laugh, beautiful smile, love for family and friends, and her deep Christian faith will be remembered by all who came to know her. Orpah was born to George and Callie Grubbs on April 15, 1923 in Columbia, S.C. She spent her formative years in Columbia, resided a number of years in New York, N.Y., raised her family in Tucker, Stone Mountain and Chamblee, G.A., and lived the final 20 years of her life in Marietta, GA. Mrs. Brown and the youngest of her siblings, Ruth, R.J., and Gary, lived at Epworth Orphanage following the tragic death of her father, while her mother went to work in order to support their family. Orpah graduated Valedictorian of Epworth Orphanage High School and worked a number of years in New York City alongside her sister Ruth. They both returned South following World War II where Orpah met her husband, Harold Brown, while working at Fort McPherson. They were married on December 1, 1951 and welcomed their only daughter, Margie Louise Brown, on June 17, 1953. After the death of her husband in 1966, Orpah went back to work for the government. Following Orpah’s retirement after 30 years of service, she enjoyed being a part of various organizations in her community. Orpah was a Sunday School teacher at Oak Grove United Methodist Church and volunteered with the Red Cross and with the Oak Grove AARP Clowns who brought joy to people in places like nursing homes. She loved the Clown’s Prayer which stated, “Help me to create more laughter than tears, disperse more happiness than gloom, spread more cheer than despair”, which is certainly how Orpah lived her life. Her greatest joy, amid a long life well lived, was being Grandma Brown “G.B.”. Preceding her in death is her husband, Harold Brown, her parents and her six siblings: Coley, Jack, Talmadge, Ruth, Robert James “R.J.” and Gary. Survivors include her daughter Margie (Chip) Brown Abernathy of Marietta, G.A., her granddaughter Callie (Cole) Abernathy Cunningham of Atlanta, G.A., her grandson Sam Abernathy of Marietta, G.A. and many nieces and nephews of whom she adored. A celebration of life gathering will be planned for a later date when it is safe to gather. In lieu of flowers, please make remembrances to: Atlanta Mission or Atlanta Community Food Bank