WILMINGTON — Sylvia Griffith Brock, lovingly known to all as “Maw Maw,” passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the age of 87.
Born on July 12, 1938, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Sylvia was the daughter of the late Jack and Merle Griffith. She grew up in Wilmington and was a proud graduate of New Hanover High School. A lifelong resident of the community she cherished, Sylvia devoted her life to serving others with compassion, strength, and unwavering love.
Sylvia retired from BellSouth after many dedicated years of service. She gave back to her community by volunteering her time and energy to causes close to her heart. She assisted with Beep Ball softball, bowling, and miniature golf programs for the blind, and she faithfully supported a social club for special needs teenagers. Her generous spirit and joyful presence touched countless lives.
Above all, Maw Maw’s greatest calling was her family. For more than 15 years, she served as a devoted foster parent, opening her home and heart to over 50 children. She treated every child as her own, offering unconditional love, guidance, and stability. To her family, both biological and foster, she was a source of comfort, wisdom, laughter, and fierce devotion.
Sylvia is survived by her daughters, Amanda Hood of Greensboro, NC and Missy Reynolds of Wilmington, NC; her sons, Charlie Brock of Ayden, NC and Matt Burkie of Wilmington, NC; her granddaughters, Brianna Hood of Greensboro, NC, Dorothy Reynolds of Burlington, NC, Sydney Reynolds of Bolivia, NC; and her grandsons, Tyler Chance of Kyle, TX and Kris Brock of Wilmington, NC. She is also survived by her brother, John Griffith of Fayetteville, NC; her sister, Dianne Dyson of Fort Walton Beach, FL and her many foster children, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stephen “Tally” Brock, her son, Steve Brock, her mother Merle Griffith and Father Jack Griffith.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 7th at Wilmington Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Billy Batten. The family will receive friends and neighbors one hour prior to the service. View the livestream of Sylvia’s Celebration of Life here.
Sylvia’s legacy of love, kindness, and selfless service will live on in the many lives she nurtured and forever changed. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
