Not sure what to say?

Get email updates for this page

To the Baker family: Sending our love and prayers of comfort to you all. We are Soo sorry for your loss. We remembered back in the years at his daughter Mrs. Sandra Baker 50th birthday party when we met her dad and came to find out he knew my husband grandfather really good because they were cousins and We were surprised to know that because that meant the Baker family is kin to us as well and my husband and me had a ball listening to old stories from Mr. Vernon. We really enjoyed him. Rest...

Teresa Boone

March 21, 2026 | Suffolk, VA | Family

Remembered By

James Ralph Jr

March 06, 2026 | Suffolk, VA

He was uncle Diadem to me. I use to love listening to him and my mom Rosa Belle talk about the past with great joy. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. May the Holy spirit give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. The Bible says, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

Phyllis W Harrigan

March 05, 2026 | Hampton, VA

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I pray that the Holy spirit gives you comfort and peace during this difficult time. The Bible says to be absent from the body is to be present from the Lord.

Phyllis Harrigan

March 05, 2026 | Hampton, VA

Tammy, Vernon, Jason and the Ralph family my thoughts and prayers go out to you. May God grant you comfort and peace during this time. Always remember the good times you shared with your dad, it will help you through the tough times.

Tracey Mills-Goodman

March 05, 2026 | Suffolk, VA | Family

Sending my condolences to the family, he was well loved by my dad, his oldest brother. Uncle Diadem to me would visit my father and I saw the love between them. They enjoyed each other and I loved the bond between them. May he RIP, a job well done.

Minnie RAlph

March 04, 2026 | Hempstead, NY | Family

Prayers of strength and comfort to the Ralph family.

Brittany Boone

March 04, 2026 | Franklin, VA | Family

Vernon's Obituary

Vernon Lee Ralph, Sr., affectionately known as “Dip” or “Diadem”, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on March 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at Autumn Care of Suffolk. Born on November 10, 1939, in Nansemond County to the late Minnie Ralph, Vernon was a dedicated family man and a cherished friend to many.

Vernon was a passionate farmer before embarking on a career as a truck driver, eventually retiring from Frank Perry Lumber Company and Sons after many years of long-distance driving. He was known for his love of meaningful conversations, reminiscing about the past, and enjoying westerns and golf. Vernon found joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren, often giving them unique nicknames and sharing apples cut with his special pocket-knife.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Janice Ralph, and their children: daughters Sandra Baker, Tammy Godfrey (Bobby), and Erica Ralph; sons Vernon Ralph, Jr. (Cheryl), Nick Ralph (Wanda), Jason Ralph (Cadrina), and Telly Ralph (Angela). His legacy continues through his 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Vernon is also survived by his sisters-in-law Velma Dildy and Minnie Dildy, brothers-in-law Eugene Dildy and Wesley Dildy, and a host of relatives and friends.

Vernon was predeceased by his infant daughter, Lisa Marie Ralph, and his siblings: Winfred Ralph, John “Hardy” Ralph, Lindwood “Peter” Ralph, Curtis Ralph, James Wallace Ralph, Minnie Lee Whitaker, Raymond Ralph, Katherine “Savage” Ralph, Sarah Lee Ralph, Rosa Belle Wiggins, and Katie Marie Ralph.

Vernon will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his strong moral values, and the lasting memories he created with his loved ones.

Vernon Lee Ralph, Sr.

Guest Book

Obituary

Vernon's Obituary