Christa-Maria Grier

Christa-Maria Ursula Gäthje Grier, 95, of Lexington, North Carolina, left us peacefully on October 11, 2026.

Christa-Maria was born on December 8, 1930, in Kaköhl, Gemeinde Blekendorf, Krs. Plön, Germany, to Kurt Johannes Gäthje and Elisabeth Dorothea Rix Gäthje. Christa-Maria grew up in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. She would often share memories, both fond and tragic, of her childhood during World War II.

Christa-Maria is preceded in death by her husband of 68 years Harry Grier, Jr., her grandson Zachary (“Z”), her parents, her siblings Wilma Lüken, Elisabeth Ginnow, and Horst Gäthje, and her longest friend Anna Ullius. She is survived by her children Dedy Baker (husband Joseph), Niels Grier, and Katja Mulligan (husband Tyler). She loved her grandchildren Andrew Berrier, Elise Berrier, Austin Berrier, Zachary (“Z”) Grier, Kathryn Grier, Conor Mulligan (wife Emily), Brinna Mulligan, and Trevor Mulligan and her great-grandchild Lily Mulligan.

Christa-Maria attended the University of Heidelberg and served as a translator for the military, where she met Harry who was serving in the U.S. Army in Germany. They married in 1955 and moved to the States. Christa-Maria worked as a translator while Harry completed college. Harry’s career later brought them to Lexington, NC, where Christa-Maria joined the American Red Cross and the Women’s Club. Her love of horses led Christa-Maria to raise and breed Davenport Arabians for decades.

In 1981, Harry and Christa-Maria founded The North Carolina Moulding Company. They took great pride in manufacturing custom picture frame moulding and providing livelihoods for over 50 employees. After 37 years of operation, Harry and Christa-Maria sold the company and retired.

A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on Thursday, October 15th at 4:00 p.m. and a visitation at 4:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to: First Presbyterian Church, 15 West 3rd Ave., Lexington, NC 27292 or a cancer foundation of your choice.