Ella L. Ralph, “Hat Lady” and “Candy Lady,” 76, of 1006 Blythewood Lane, Suffolk, died Saturday, July 7, 2012, at her residence. She was a native of Whaleyville, Va., and the daughter of the late Willie G. Sessoms and Jimmie Cross Sessoms. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Ralph; two sisters, Lillie M. Copeland and Sylvester Simons; and one brother, Wilbur Simons.

She graduated from East Suffolk High School. She was employed at Howell Cleaners for more than 20 years. She was a member of New Life Outreach Ministries, where she was the church mother, director of the kitchen ministry, and secretary of the Sunday School Union for 30 years. Ms. Ralph was also a member of Lake Kennedy Civic League, the Senior Citizen group and the candy lady of Lake Kennedy.

She leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Judith J. Carroll, of Suffolk; two sons, Michael Jordan, of Mobile, Ala., and Raymond Tyrone Ralph, of Suffolk; two brothers, Willie R. Sessoms, of Suffolk, and Ulysses M. Simons, of Philadelphia, Pa.; nine grandchildren; four devoted nieces, Shirley M. White, Brenda Burch, Janice Duck and Betty Stagg (LeVon); a devoted cousin, Sharon Scott; a devoted friend, Ada L. Rodgers; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held at noon, Thursday, July 12, 2012, at New Mt. Joy Food For Living Ministries officiated by Vice Bishop Molton E. Reid. Interment will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery. Crocker Funeral Home Inc. is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.