Sherly Lee Ralph is mourning a tremendous loss.
The Abbott Elementary star revealed that her brother Stanley Ralph Jr. died in an emotional message reflecting on his life.
“My heart is heavy, my world feels quieter. Losing my brother so suddenly has left a gap that can never be filled,” Sheryl wrote alongside a carousel of pictures of her and her brother on Instagram Nov. 11. “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 reflected on the legacy her brother—who is also survived by his wife Andrea Ralph and children Stanley III and Cristal—left behind as a Behavioral Support teacher.
“His classroom a refuge for students written off,” she added alongside the post that included pictures of her and Stanley as children and posing with each other. “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 share any further details of her brother’s death. After her heartbreaking announcement, the Sister Act 2 star’s comments was filled with condolences from her famous friends.
“My sister I’m sending love and prayers to you and your entire family,” Sheryl’s Abbott Elementary costar William Stanford Davis wrote in the comment section of 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 added, “Praying for strength for you and your family.”
Though Sheryl rarely shared public details about her family life brother, she previously spoke about the educators in her life who inspired her role as Barbra Howard on Abbott, including their father Dr. Stanely Ralph Sr., who like her brother, had a lasting impact on his former students.
“She’s so many teachers,” Sheryl said on Live With Kelly and Mark in November 2024. “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.’”
She added, “And I just love that my dad continues to have that impact on high on his students from what he did on earth.