Emily Grubbs' Obituary
Emily was born April 13, 1941, Atmore, Alabama to Willie and Rosetta McKinnon. Baptized at an early age, she remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life. Emily was the eldest of her two sisters, Patricia and Gloria whom she loved very much. She was taught at an early age to always put God first in her life, speak her mind, and never give up on her goals.
Emily graduated from high school in Atmore Alabama and later attended Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Alabama from 1959 – 1962 where she was working toward a degree in Early Childhood Development and a member of the Tuskegee Golden Voices Choral.
While Attending Tuskegee Institute, she met and married David Toliver, Sr. of Shreveport, Louisiana and from this union one child was born.
In 1965, she later met and married Chrisopher C. Grubbs Jr. of Montgomery, Alabama and from this union 4 children were born.
Emily was the Matriarch and the beginning of a family Legacy of Tuskegee Institute (University) graduates that included her daughter, four granddaughters, and one grandson from 1984 to 2021. Emily was a member of the Bay Area Tuskegee Alumni Club (BATAC).
In 1971, Emily’s family migrated to Oakland, California where she later earned her associate’s degree in early childhood education at Laney College of Oakland, California. She was an Educator at Havenscourt Junior High in Oakland and eventually retired from Free to Be Preschool of Union City, California.
Emily joined the Truth Faith Community Baptist Church of Antioch, California where she was a Charter member and Mother of the church.
Preceding her in death, her husband, Christopher C. Grubbs Jr; mother, Rosetta Goldsmith; father, Willie McKinnon; and two sisters, Patricia Hal, Gloria Angela Ford-Thomas, brother-in-law, Leonard E. Hal, and nephew, Lawrence N. Hal.
Memorial services will be held at 11am Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Chapel of the Chimes at Oakland, California.
To continue her Legacy and Cherish her memories she leaves:
Children: Cheryl G. Toliver-Robinson (Jeffrey, Sr.); Pamela D. Grubbs; Christopher C. Grubbs III (Michelle) Michael E. Grubbs, Sr. (Cassandra); Anthony N. Grubbs (Patricia) and daughter-in-law, Traci Jones.
Grandchildren: Adreana D. Robinson; Jocelyn M. Robinson (Sean) Jeffrey B. Robinson, II (Sasha); Ja’Nelle M. Finklea; Christopher P. Allen; Kayla N. Grubbs ; Kristin N. Grubbs; Kenneth A. Grubbs; Diamon Stuart (Marlon); Michael A. Grubbs, Jr.; Erin Grubbs; Shayleen Bemjamin; Jalen N. Grubbs; Amara Grubbs, and Akayla Grubbs.
Great-grandchildren: Dominic N. Smith; Kieran T. Lynch; Kayden Grubbs; Indya Grubbs; Reayl Joseph; Jermani Wheatfall; Egypt Wheatfall; Marrocco Lane; and Nevaeh E. Grubbs; Christian Allen; Christopher Allen, Jr.; Carter Smith; Ah’nora Allen; and Kennedi Grubbs.
Nieces/Nephews: Karen D. Hal-Tapia (Francisco); Angela Marks (Delewis); Willie Thomas (Erica) ; Tony Thomas (Kendra); David Thomas (Shalisa); and Colman Jackson (Kimberli); Pastor Vickia Brinkley (Rick); and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, Godchildren, and friends.
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