Claire Ralston

Claire Buckner Ralston passed away peacefully in her home in Selma, Alabama on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at the age of 88. She is now rejoicing in the presence of Jesus, her Savior and Lord.

Claire was born October 16, 1934 to the late Alvin and Lillian Buckner in Birmingham, Alabama. Claire deeply loved each person she knew, and she impacted the lives of many through her faith in Jesus and her passion for education.

She loved none more than her husband Elton. During their marriage, Claire and Elton were active members of First Baptist Church Selma and were instrumental in starting several ministries and organizations serving Selma, as well as a curriculum publishing company that influenced Alabama’s education system. They also loved to travel and visited over ten countries.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 65 years, Elton Robert Ralston; children, Russell (Gail) Ralston and Roger “Sage” (Karli) Ralston; six grandchildren, Ashley (Mitch) Eubank, Anna (Hugo) Hendriks, Kathleen Annelle Ralston, Sage “Buck” Ralston, Julia Kelly Ralston and Isaac Ralston and two great-grandchildren, Adler and Lorraine Eubank.

The family is grateful for the devoted love and care provided by Marie Barnett, Angela Outlaw, and Betty Scott.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 3, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Reverend Lee Tate officiating and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home of Selma directing. A private burial will follow at New Live Oak Cemetery. Visitation will begin at the church at 1:00 p.m., prior to the service. The service will be streamed online at http://watchlawrence.live , via the funeral home’s Facebook page.

Pallbearers will be Buck Ralston, Isaac Ralston, Mitch Eubank, Hugo Hendriks, Mike Little, Britt Mott, Ward Ralston and Charles Ralston. Honorary pallbearers are Jessie Bates, Doug Halbrooks, and Chris Stevens.

In lieu of flowers, her family is requesting donations be made to Shocco Springs, where Claire and Elton’s love story began 66 years ago. 1314 Shocco Springs Road, Talladega, AL 35160.