J. Marilyn Brown

Marilyn Witt Brown passed away in Minot, North Dakota, on August 14, 2026, at the age of 92.

Marilyn was born in Wilsonville, Nebraska, on December 20, 1933, to Carl and Bernice Michals and raised by Henry and Grace Michals upon the death of her mother Bernice. She was raised and educated in Wilsonville, Nebraska where she met her first husband, Don Witt. They were married on January 10, 1951.

Don's career in the United States Air Force took the family to eight different states and France, where they lived for three years. During their time overseas, Marilyn and her family enjoyed visiting historic sites throughout France, Spain, and Germany. Together they raised seven children.

On July 3, 1975, Marilyn married Darel Brown in Minot, North Dakota. The couple soon relocated to Goldsboro, North Carolina, where they lived happily together until Darel's passing in 2009.

Marilyn enjoyed working and was known for her strong work ethic. She advanced to a management position with a company that supplied military base commissaries. She continued working well into her 80s, enjoying both the activity and the travel her career provided.

Throughout her life, Marilyn found great joy in her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved gardening, particularly tending her roses and geraniums. She also enjoyed square dancing, traveling, visiting casinos to play the slot machines, attending Broadway shows, and cooking for friends and family.

Marilyn will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, determination, and love of family.

She is survived by her children: Beverly Esposito (Philip) of New York; Donna Gannon (Jerry) of Wisconsin; Barbara Henderson (Stanton) of North Dakota; Leslie Witt of California; Lori Helseth of North Dakota; and James Witt of North Dakota; daughter-in-law, Brenda Witt and step daughters Lesley & Connie Brown. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchilden, her beloved nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Darel Brown; her sisters, Carolyn O'Brien and Norma Jean Elwood; her son, Gary Witt; her son-in-law Kurt Helseth; and her grandson Tylor Witt.

Services will be held at a later date in Nebraska.