Sheryl Lee Ralph is mourning the sudden loss of her brother, Stanley Ralph Jr., saying, “My heart is heavy. My world feels quieter.”
Sherly Lee Ralph undergoes a huge loss. In a heartfelt tribute honoring her brother Stanley Ralph Jr., the Abbott Elementary actress disclosed that he had passed away.
“My heart is heavy, my world feels quieter. Losing my brother so suddenly has left a gap that can never be filled,” on November 11, Sheryl posted a message on Instagram along with a carousel of images of herself and her brother. “Stanley found his true calling in the classroom. After his football career, he devoted his life to education as a behavioral support teacher for students facing some of life’s hardest challenges.”
The 68-year-old considered the legacy her brother, a Behavioral Support instructor, left behind. He is also survived by his wife, Andrea Ralph, and children Stanley III and Cristal.
Register for Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 19 (Feb 9 – May 2, 2026): big discounts for early bird.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and co-invest in great global startups.
Register for Tekedia AI Lab: From Technical Design to Deployment (next edition begins Jan 24 2026).
“His classroom a refuge for students written off,” alongside the message, she provided photos of herself and Stanley smiling together when they were younger. “Navigating anger, trauma, and legal detention. For many, his classroom was their last stop before the system gave up on them, he never did.”
Sheryl did not provide any more information on her brother's passing. The Sister Act 2 actress received many sympathies from her well-known pals in her comments following her devastating announcement.
“My sister I’m sending love and prayers to you and your entire family,” William Stanford Davis, who costarred with Sheryl in Abbott Elementary, commented on her post. “I heard you speak of your brother with such love and admiration and losing a sibling is like losing a part of your body. May Stanley Rest In Eternal and Heavenly Peace.”
Lisa Anna Walter went on, “Praying for strength for you and your family.”
Sheryl seldom discussed her brother's family in public, but she has talked about the teachers who shaped her character as Barbra Howard on Abbott, such as their father, Dr. Stanely Ralph Sr., who, like her brother, left a lasting impression on his former pupils.
“She’s so many teachers.” In November 2024, Sheryl made this statement on Live With Kelly and Mark. “But she’s really my dad who was the male version of Barbara Howard. My dad has passed away, but to this day students of his will reach out at different times like his birthday or graduations and say, ‘Your dad Dr. Ralph and what he did for me.’”
"“And I just love that my dad continues to have that impact on high on his students from what he did on earth," she continued.
