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Key Points Sheryl Lee Ralph mourns the sudden loss of her brother, Stanley. Stanley dedicated his post-football life to helping struggling students as a behavioral support teacher. Fans and celebrities sent condolences and support following Ralph’s heartfelt tribute on social media. Sheryl Lee Ralph is mourning the loss of her beloved brother. The screen legend, who starred in Moesha, Sister Act 2 and It’s a Living, shared the devastating news with followers on social media, writing in the caption, “My heart is heavy, my world feels quieter. Losing my brother so suddenly has left a gap that can never be filled.” In a beautiful dedication to her sibling, the 68-year-old wrote, “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.” She continued, “His classroom a refuge for students written off,navigating anger, trauma, and legal detention. For many, his classroom was their last stop before the system gave up on them, he never did.” Oops! We’re unable to load this content right now. View directly on Instagram It’s unclear how old Stanley was or what led to his death, though the actress shared a series of photos ranging from childhood to the present, with her brother and family members. Prayers immediately poured into the comment section, with fellow actress Olivia Spencer and ABC correspondent Deborah Roberts sharing prayer hands emojis. Fellow Abbott Elementary co-star Raven Goodwin wrote, “Condolences to you and yours Miss Sheryl! 🙏🏾💜” “Keeping you and your family in my prayers,” one fan wrote, as another chimed in, “Sending you all of my love Sheryl ❤️ 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽.” Brandee Evans noted, “I love you so much and I’m so so sorry to hear this. 🫂😢🙏🏾I’m praying for you and the entire family.” “Prayers and continual love your way! 🧡🧡🧡” one comment read, with another emphasizing, “So sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers are with you and your family. May your beautiful memories of your beloved brother bring you much comfort and peace.💔💔🙏🏼🙏🏼” “Sending you love and an abundance of prayer!🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽” someone else chimed in, with many stating that they are thinking of her during this “difficult time” and hoping she will “take care of herself.” Ralph’s beautiful tribute takes on a deeper meaning as she portrays Barbara Howard, a dedicated school teacher on the ABC comedy, whom she previously revealed was based on her dad, Stanley Ralph, whom her brother was named after, and the connection he formed with his students that continues even after his death. We’re sending Ralph all our love during this difficult time.
