Viola Ralston

Mrs. Viola Ralston, age 94 of the New Zion community, died Thursday, August 30, 2007 at Gordon Hospital.

Mrs. Ralston was born on October 28, 1912 in Gilmer County, daughter of the late Gordon Columbus Southerland and Ida Collis Southerland. She was also preceded in death by a son, James Ralston; a grandson, Kim Ralston; a granddaughter, Karen Ralston; by brothers; Truman, Herbert and Sherman Southerland, and sisters; Louisa Blaylock, Ada Crump and Maudie Southerland. She worked in the textile industry for forty years and then owned and operated Granny's Grocery until a few weeks prior to her death. Mrs. Ralston was a member of the Berean Baptist Church in Gilmer County.

Survivors include two sons; Harlan Ralston of Marietta, and Robert Ralston of Calhoun; three brothers; John Southerland of Jasper, Marshall Southerland of Ellijay, and Gene Southerland of Calhoun. Ten grandchildren, twenty-six great grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Mrs. Viola Ralston will be conducted Saturday at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home, with Rev. Wallace Parks and Minister Terry York officiating. Singing will be arranged by Tanya Reeves. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers and they include Mike Ralston, Terry Ralston, Donnie Ralston, Mitch Ralston, Greg Ralston, Christopher Ralston, Butch Ralston, and Eric Rigney. Burial will follow the service at the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery in Gilmer County. The family will receive friends at Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home Friday evening from 6:00pm until 9:00pm.

Please join the Mrs. Ralston's family in honoring her life by visiting www.maxbrannonandsons.com to post tributes and share memories.

Family owned and operated Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home of Calhoun is conducting the funeral services for Mrs. Viola Ralston of the New Zion community, Calhoun.