Jean Ralston

Vella Jean Williams Ralston, age 86, of Concord, Georgia, burst through the Pearly Gates on April 25, 2025, and being a blessed and highly favored woman, she was immediately promoted to official Heavenly Greeter.  Jean already excels at the new position by greeting all in heaven, as she did on Earth, with a soul embracing hug, smile on her face, twinkling in her eyes, and immense love in her heart.  For her entire 86 years of life, she embodied, "Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much."  Her life motto was "Never let anything come in front of a good time."  Her advice to all, especially to her two children, was "Be good, but if you can't be good, then be good at it!"  She always recommended to "Live your life so you could sell your pet parrot to the town gossiper."

Jean was born November 16, 1938, in Bartow, Florida, daughter to the late Clarence Eugene "Tiny" Williams, Sr. and Evelyn Sutton Williams.  The family moved to Griffin, Georgia when she was nine years old.  She graduated from Griffin High School in 1956, and Florida State University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics.  After graduation, Jean became a Home Extension Agent in Upson County, Georgia where she met and married her late husband of 56 years, Eugene Howard Ralston, in 1961.

As a Home Extension Agent, she was required by policy to quit her job once she gave birth to a child.  This did not sit well with Jean, so when pregnant and overdue with her first child, she worked up to the very last minute to make them nervous.  As a result of substitute teaching for the Pike County (GA) School System in 1963, a lifelong career was born. She received her teaching certification for science at Mercer University.  Jean received her Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from West Georgia College in 1987.  She continued at West Georgia College, and in 1990, she received her Specialist in Education in Administration and Supervision.  Jean was a beloved educator for 38 years in the school systems of Spalding County (GA) & Pike County (GA).  She was a middle and high school science teacher, middle school Teacher of the Year, 1976 Outstanding Leaders in Elementary & Secondary Education (National Level), high school assistant principal, and middle school principal.  She considered it a terrific challenge and a wonderful experience where she was never bored and never had a dull day.  Jean always expected the best from her students, and if there were any issues, she loved them through it with her heart, positive attitude, common sense, and great sense of humor.

In 1969, Jean and her family moved to Concord, GA, and she immediately became a member of Concord Garden Club, one of the oldest garden clubs in the nation.  Jean loved flowers, plants, trees, and rocks, but she also understood the benefits of digging in dirt and touching rocks to ground yourself when things get tough.  She served as President from 1977-1979 during the 50th anniversary of the club being federated, and 1999-2001 during the 75th anniversary of the club being organized.  She also served as secretary for numerous terms.

A faith-based woman, who was a model of how to be a Christian by living a life of love, joy, peace, unconditional acceptance, patience, self-control, gentleness, and kindness.  A member of Concord Baptist Church, she served as the Sunday School Teacher for the adult Friendly Bible Class for 35 years and was also their long-standing recording secretary.  Jean sang a joyful noise in the church choir, and even when she no longer thought it was joyful noise, they let her sing anyway.

Jean was the first woman elected to Concord City Council in 1978.  After her one-year term, she realized she needed to finish raising her family and finish her teaching career before returning to an important and time-consuming position.  From 2000-2011, she served her beloved Concord, GA and its citizens as a long-term city councilwoman and Mayor Pro-Tem.  A wizard organizer and coordinator, she used her magic to make the annual Concord Country Jubilee Arts and Crafts Festival a wonderful event for decades.

At 79 years old, less than one year after breaking her hip and leg, Jean sashayed her way across the stage with her typical sass, happy heart, and fun-loving spirit and was crowned 2018 Miss Golden Buggy Days.

When Jean was not out enriching and nurturing the world, she enjoyed sewing, gardening, interior design, collecting rocks, antiquing, and sharing her incredible gift of hospitality through cooking, baking, and hosting family gatherings and reunions.

In addition to her parents and husband, Jean was preceded in death by her beloved son, Mark Ralston; sister, Nina Williams Jones; brother, Clarence Eugene "Chubby" Williams, Jr.; sister-in-law, Mary Ralston Greathouse, and brothers-in-law, Merrill Greathouse, George Jones, Jr., Bob Alfonso, and Rudolph Ralston.  She is survived by her daughter, Alecia Ralston (Tammy Capps) of Waynesville, NC, and daughter-in-law, Gina White Ralston of Concord, GA; grandchildren, Ally Ralston of Griffin, GA and grandson, Colby Ralston of Molena, GA; her namesake great-granddaughter, Caroline Vella Ralston; sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law, Gloria Williams of Charlotte, NC; Ann Ralston of Carrollton, GA; Martha Ralston Alfonso of Johnson City, TN; Wilburn (Shirley) Ralston of Gainesville, GA; and Richard (Elizabeth Rose) Boehm of Thomaston, GA.  Many nieces and nephews, including special nieces, Norma Jean Greenwood (her first namesake), Debra Howard, and Cheryl Greathouse, who always responded to her regular and/or emergency needs when needed.

Jean was a brilliant force of love, light, and laughter.  She will be greatly missed.  We all should strive to be more like Jean to fill her void in the world.  The family is grateful for the love and care Sunny Grove Assisted Living, and Eternal Hope Hospice provided Jean.

Friends may visit the family on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the funeral home.

A service celebrating Jean's life will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 2 p.m., in Concord Baptist Church, 9670 GA Hwy. 18, Concord.  Pastor Jeff Yearwood will officiate.