Deborah Rather-Grubbs Obituary

Deborah Louise Rather-Grubbs

Oct 7, 1950 - Mar 10, 2023

Rahway, NJ

Deborah Rather-Grubbs, 72, heard the call and peaceably transitioned from this life here on earth to her heavenly home, taking her Savior's hand Friday, March 10, 2023, at her home in New Jersey.

She was born Oct. 7, 1950, in Sandusky, to the union of Ajaish and Mary Alice (Hollowell) Rather, along with her twin brother, David "Bo" Rather. In her early childhood days, she joined Ebenezer Baptist Church and was baptized under the leadership of Pastor Leon Lee Troy and continued her membership under Pastor Curtis Asa Brown. Deborah received her education in the Sandusky public school system and graduated in 1969. She went on to further her education, graduating from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and a Master in Business Administration from Rutgers University. She was also a member of Alpha Kapa Alpha Sorority. After graduating college, she spent 11 years in the work force at Proctor and Gamble in Staten Island, New York, and Cincinnati in consumer research and manufacturing management.

She retired from Proctor and Gamble and landed a very lucrative position with Joseph E. Seagram and Sons, Inc. in New York City in April, 1984. After 15 years with Seagram's, she decided to retire once again.

In 1999, she met and married the love of her life, William Grubbs. She was named Essence Black Entrepreneur and received recognition by Harlem YMCA as a Black Achiever. Other recognitions included United Negro College Fund, United Way, North Edison Civic Association, and Neighborhood Association of Linden.

Deborah leaves to not mourn her passing, but to rejoice in the many memories her loving husband of 28 wonderful years, Will; stepdaughter, Latora (Sesami) Adanu, of Philadelphia, Pennyslvania; grandson and granddaughter, Adam and Ellie; brother, Donald Rather of Phoenix, Arizona; sister-in-law, Ann Rather of Battle Creek, Michigan; nieces and caregivers, Michelle Rather of Rahway, New Jersey, and Kim Collins of Memphis, Tennessee; nephews, Bryan Rather, of Cleveland and David Rather Jr. of Stone Mountain, Georgia; great-nieces, Brittany (Carr) Davis of Memphis, Tennessee, and Scottie-Marie Unsal of Seattle, Washington; great-nephews, David Locke of London, England, Austin and Mason Rather of Cleveland, Devin Rather of Savannah, Georgia, and Kyle Rather of Sandusky; two great-great-nieces; two great-great-nephews; Godsister and Godbrother, Charlayne (Semon) Johnson of Sandusky; best friend, Nora L. Monegan of Sandusky; special friend, Dora James of Rahway, New Jersey; and host of other family members, cousins, relatives, long-time community and business associates, friends, sorority sisters, and class of 1969.

She was preceded in death by her fraternal grandparents, Sam and Lottie Rather; maternal grandparents, Elmer and Hallie Hollowell; loving dad, Coach Ajaish "Butch" in 1967; sisters, Marion, in 1997, twins Patricia Jean, in 2001, and Betty Ann, in 2008; foster brother, Adrian Squire; and beloved twin, David "Bo" Sr., in 2018; niece, Candice Rather; Godparents, Mary Lee Holman and Charles Conway, in 1982, and Evelyn Conway, in 2011; and special friend, Andrew Broadway.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 24, 2023, until the time of Louise's funeral at 11 a.m. at Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery, Sandusky.

Condolences may be made shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.