Charlaine Weeks Ralston

Charlaine Weeks Ralston was born on August 27, 1935, in Canton, Ohio.  She passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025 in Pinellas Park, Florida.  

Those left to cherish her memory include her four children, Michael Ralston and his wife Colleen of Leesville, SC, Pat Ralston of Kenneth City, FL, Cynthia Ralston Dempsey and her husband Billy Bob Dempsey of Tyler, TX, and Keith Ralston and his wife Jennifer of Tampa, FL;  her grandchildren, Melissa Ralston and her husband Marco Parsons, Jacob Ralston and his wife Amanda, Sam Ralston, Jonathan Dempsey and his wife Miranda, Nicki Dempsey, and Dylan Ralston; her great grandchildren, Mason and Jenna Parsons, and Noah Ralston; and many other extended family that loved her dearly. 

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, James S. Ralston. 

Charlaine had a great passion for music at an early age.  She studied piano and voice and eventually pursued a degree in music from Florida State University where she met the love of her life, Jim Ralston; an athletic young man with a mutual passion for music.  With him by her side, they literally made “beautiful music together”.  With their love of great music, their walk with their Lord, Jesus Christ, and their commitment to family, they lived a full and loving life. 

Charlaine is best known for her creative ability to direct, costume, stage manage and even write scripts for musical presentations at First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg, FL.  She served many years as a member and lay-leader of the adult choir, directed many children’s choirs, and performed with the highest regard to honor her Savior through musical excellence.  She always sought to offer her best. 

Charlaine was also very proud of her volunteer service after her retirement.  She and Jim loved to travel and participated in an organization called, Campers On Mission; a program where they would travel around the country in their RV and service at Christian Camps like Ridgecrest in Ashville, NC or Windemere in Missouri.  With Charlaine’s love of cooking and Jim’s background in the electrical business, they were easily put to work.  Charlaine and Jim also volunteered locally through the Bay Pines VA hospital in the pharmacy.  Those that know them would not be surprised that their smiles and loving nature made them the favors of many veterans they served.  They were actively involved with the Voters’ Registration and loved sharing their patriotism with anyone that was around them. 

Charlaine’s other great source of pride was her family.  She instilled in all of them a love for each other, a compassion to serve their fellow man, and a commitment to seek excellence in jobs well done.  Her absence is deeply felt by her family and she will continue to guide them by her example. 

A Family Gathering/Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg, Florida in the Narthex at 6pm on Monday, September 22, 2025.  A Memorial Service will be held in the Sanctuary at First Baptist on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 11am.  The church is located at 1900 Gandy Blvd N. St. Petersburg, Florida. 

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