Sheryl Lee Ralph Mourns Death of Brother Stanley Ralph, Jr.

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Sherly Lee Ralph is mourning a tremendous loss.

Oh my gosh, I’m absolutely heartbroken! Janelle James just shared the most devastating news – her brother, Stanley Ralph Jr., has passed away. She posted this really raw, emotional message about him, and it’s just…it’s so incredibly sad. I’m sending all my love to her and her family right now.

Sheryl shared on Instagram November 11th that she’s heartbroken over the sudden loss of her brother. She described feeling a deep sadness and an irreplaceable void in her life. She fondly remembered that after his time playing football, her brother Stanley discovered his passion for teaching, dedicating himself to helping students overcome difficult circumstances as a behavioral support teacher.

The 68-year-old remembered her brother’s impact as a Behavioral Support teacher. He is survived by his wife, Andrea Ralph, and their children, Stanley III and Cristal.

She described his classroom as a safe haven for students who had been dismissed or overlooked by the system. She shared photos of herself and Stanley growing up, noting that he helped students work through difficult issues like anger, trauma, and involvement with the legal system. For many, his class was the last chance they had before being completely abandoned by the system – but he always continued to support them.

Sheryl didn’t offer any more information about how her brother died. Following her sad news, many of her celebrity friends sent messages of sympathy and support.

Lisa Anna Walter added, “Praying for strength for you and your family.”

Sheryl didn’t often discuss her family publicly, but she previously mentioned the teachers who influenced her portrayal of Barbra Howard on Abbott. This included her father, Dr. Stanley Ralph Sr., who, like her brother, had a significant and positive impact on the students he taught.

Lisa Anna Walter added, “Praying for strength for you and your family.”

Sheryl didn’t often discuss her family publicly, but she previously mentioned teachers who influenced her portrayal of Barbra Howard on Abbott Elementary. This included her father, Dr. Stanley Ralph Sr., who, like her brother, deeply impacted the lives of his students.

Sheryl shared on Live With Kelly and Mark in November 2024 that her mother was like many teachers, but really reminded her of her father. She explained that her father, Dr. Ralph Howard, was the male equivalent of Barbara Howard. Although he’s passed away, people who were his students still contact her, especially around his birthday or graduation season, to tell her about the impact he had on their lives.

She shared that she’s happy her father continues to inspire his former students, even after his passing.

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2025-11-12 20:19