Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
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Deborah Louise Rather-Grubbs, 72, heard the call and peaceably transitioned from this life here on earth to her heavenly home, taking her savior's hand Fri., 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 the 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 eleven years in the work force at Proctor and Gamble in Staten Island, New York and Cincinnati, Ohio in consumer research and manufacturing management.
She retired from Proctor and Gamble and landed a very lucrative position with the Joseph E. Seagram and Sons, Inc. in New York City since April 1984. After 15 years with Seagram's, she 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 the Harlem YMCA as a Black Achiever. Other recognitions include the United Negro College Fund, the United Way, the North Edison Civic Association, and the 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; step-daughter, Latora (Sesami) Adanu, of Philadelphia, PA; grandson and granddaughter, Adam and Ellie; brother, Donald Rather, of Phoenix, AZ; sister-in-law, Ann Rather, of Battle Creek, MI; nieces and caregivers, Michelle Rather, of Rahway, NJ, and Kim Collins, of Memphis, TN; nephews, Bryan Rather, of Cleveland, OH, David Rather Jr., of Stone Mountain, GA; great-nieces, Brittany (Carr) Davis, of Memphis, TN, and Scottie-Marie Unsal, of Seattle, WA; great-nephews, David Locke, of London, England, Austin and Mason Rather, of Cleveland, Ohio, Devin Rather, of Savannah, GA, and Kyle Rather, of Sandusky; two great-great-nieces and two great-great-nephews; Godsister and -brother, Charlayne (Semon) Johnson, of Sandusky; best friend, Nora L. Monegan, of Sandusky; special friend, Dora James, of Rahway, NJ; and a host of other family members, cousins, relatives, long-time community and business associates, friends, sorority sisters; and her 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 her beloved twin, David "Bo" Sr., in 2018; niece, Candice Rather; Godparents, Mary Lee Holman, Charles Conway, in 1982, and Evelyn Conway, in 2011; and special friend, Andrew Broadway.
Friends may call on Friday, March 24 from 10 A.M. until time of funeral services 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.
