Sunrise April 11, 1936 – Sunset October 16, 2025
Ruth E. Grigsby, 89, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025. Born April 11, 1936, in Louisville, Kentucky, Ruth was a lifelong learner earning an associate’s degree in accounting from the University of Louisville and a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Minnesota.
Ruth built a distinguished career in corporate America working for Honeywell Incorporated, Amdahl Corporation, and I.C.I. America. She held progressive management roles including Regional Administration Manager and District Administration Manager, earning recognition for her leadership and professionalism. Ruth channeled her corporate experience into entrepreneurship, founding GBK Enterprises with her daughters, becoming the first African American franchise owner for Bruster’s Ice cream with locations at Georgia State University, Cobb Parkway, the Georgia Dome and Phillips Arena.
Her life’s work was augmented by her dedication to community service. Ruth established the Roger & Ruth Grigsby Scholarship Fund in honor of her late husband, an alumnus of Dunwoody College of Technology in Minnesota, where she was a member of the President’s Circle. GBK Enterprises was honored for their business success and their philanthropy in the metro Atlanta region.
Ruth volunteered with many organizations, including the Georgia Institute of Technology, Cascade House Women’s Shelter, YES Atlanta, and Girl Scouts of the USA. She was also a faithful member of the Hillside International Truth Center, under the leadership of the late Dr. Barbara L. King.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Grigsby, her loving parents James and Celestine Warr, her sister Celestine Wolfensberger of Switzerland, and her beloved daughter Nancy Warr Bayonne. She is survived by her devoted daughters Stacey Key and Antoniette Johnson; grandchildren Andrea Key, Karsen Bayonne, Robert Johnson Jr., Bre’nna Francisco, and Corey Johnson; niece and nephew Cynthia and James Wolfensberger; forever sons-in-love, Kevin Bayonne and Ashley Lawson; and many cherished relatives and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Cave Hill Cemetery, 701 Baxter Ave., Louisville. A repast will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roger and Ruth Scholarship Fund at Dunwoody College of Technology (DCOT) in her honor. To donate online, visit https://dunwoody.edu/alumni-donors/ways-to-give/make-a-gift/ and specify the Roger and Ruth Scholarship Fund. If you need assistance donating, please contact Marta Toledo Alcarraz at 612-381-8205 or mtoledoalcarraz@dunwoody.edu.