Julia Kathryn (Kathy) Griggs (Mealor), was born on March 23, 1954. She passed away on November 10, 2026 after a long and difficult battle with Bulpar Palsy disease, a form of ALS. Kathy grew up in Lakewood Heights in Atlanta, GA. She attended Lakewood Elementary and Fulton High School. She was a member of Lakewood Heights United Methodist Church. Kathy has a career in the insurance industry in which she retired.
Kathy was preceded in death by her wonderful and loving parents; Oscar and Jean Mealor, her brother; Allen Mealor and her brother-in-law; Jerry Merkel, and her former husband; Mike Stephens.
She is survived by her devoted husband; Donnie Griggs, her daughter; Jennifer Blakely (Randy), and her grandchildren; Taylor and Anndrew, her sisters; Mary Ruth Merkel, Doris Cash (Jim), sister-in-law; Susie Mealor and many nephews, nieces and cousins.
Donnie and Kathy were married for 16 wonderful years. Kathy supported Donnie and his music career in the DGB Band, and she loved watching him and his band perform.
Kathy spearheaded the Fulton High School all class reunion for many years. She had a passion for her Redbird family! She started a toys for tots for tots campaign many years ago in honor of her father that served in the Marines.
Kathy made many bags and bracelets to sell for contributions for the Toys for Tots.
Her love for people, beautiful personality, smile and infectious laugh will live on and be remembered by all that knew her.
Donations can be made to the Toys for Tots foundation in memory of Kathy.
Visitation will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens 5755 Mallory Rd in College Park, GA 30349 on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 11am - 2pm with a Funeral service taking place immediately after at 2:00 pm.
Interment will immediately follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens
