Dr. Annette Gilreath Brown, age 80, of Cartersville, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at her home. She was born on July 27, 1946, in Rome, Georgia.

A lifelong learner and devoted educator, Dr. Brown built her life around education and service to others. Annette was a member of Pigsah Baptist Church in Coosa, Georgia and she was a graduate of Coosa High School, Class of 1964. She attended the University of Tennessee, where she earned her bachelor's degree in education. Continuing her academic journey, she attended Tennessee Technological University in 1989 and received her Master of Arts in Elementary Education. She later furthered her education at Georgia Southern University, graduating in 2007 with a doctorate in Education Curriculum Studies. Dr. Brown dedicated her career to Special Education and had a true passion for being the best at what she did. She loved her work, and that commitment was reflected in the care and purpose she brought to her profession and the countless children she nurtured and cared for over the years. Her years in education stand as a meaningful part of her legacy.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas Grier; her step-daughters, Katherine Grier and Stephanie Medema; granddaughter, Hazel Grier Medema; her sister, Mattie Doyce Davis and her husband, Doyce Davis; her niece, Juli Brown and her husband, Jeff Brown; her nephew, Rick Cescutti; her grandnieces, Erin Rodriguez and Kayleigh Brown; and grandnephew, Matthew Brown. They, along with all who knew and loved her, will hold close the memory of her intelligence, determination, and deep commitment to education.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Jason Lawrence Brown, father, Dock Gordon Gilreath; her mother, Rosa Lee McNew Gilreath; her brothers, Leon Gilreath, Marcus Gilreath, and Dennis Gilreath.

In keeping with her wishes, Dr. Brown will be cremated and no formal services are being planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dr. Brown's honor towards the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 

Dr. Annette Gilreath Brown will be remembered with love and respect by her family and by those whose lives were touched by her work and example. Her memory will remain a lasting blessing. 

Salmon Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve and care for the Brown family.