Helen Watina Alston Cody

We celebrate the life and legacy of Helen Watina Alston Cody, who entered eternal rest on June 24, 2026, at the age of 83.

Helen was born on November 25, 1942, in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.  She was the daughter of the late David K. Alston, Sr. and Ida Belle Eggleston Alston.

She was a proud graduate of S. Horace Scott Senior High School, where she formed many lifelong friendships and developed the warm spirit that would characterize her throughout her life.

On June 26, 1965, Helen married the love of her life, James Cody, Sr. beginning a devoted partnership built on faith, love, and family. Together, they created a home filled with laughter, compassion, and unwavering support for one another until James preceded her in death after 57 years of marriage.

After many years of service, Helen retired from Wyeth Laboratories.  She later worked as a Teacher Assistant for the Coatesville Area School District.  As a teacher assistant, the students loved and viewed her as a person of comfort that gave Christ-centered mentorship.

Helen enjoyed family gatherings and her home was the central location for many cookouts, family reunions, and holiday celebrations.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Helen loved the Lord with all her heart. She found great joy in worship through music and was blessed to share her beautiful voice as a member of her church choir and the gospel singing group, The Bell Tones.  Whether singing in church or with family, her gospel songs were a reflection of her steadfast faith and a source of encouragement to those around her.

Helen had a passion for traveling.  She and James loved to drive their RV to many destinations across the country.  Helen also enjoyed taking cruises and exploring new places. Combining that passion with an entrepreneurial spirit, she and her sister, Phyllis Diana Alston, founded Action Travel, helping others create cherished memories. 

Committed to serving both her community and her faith, Helen was a member of Eureka Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, where she faithfully served as a Past Worthy Matron, exemplifying leadership, service, and sisterhood.

Above all else, Helen treasured her family. She found her greatest happiness in gathering with her children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family.  Her kindness, wisdom, and gentle spirit will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Prior to her illness, she was a member of the New Life in Christ Fellowship Church and frequently attended Pentecostal House of Prayer.

Helen leaves treasured memories to her three children: James Cody, Jr. of Upland, PA, Janine Renee Marshall (Jeffrey) of Coatesville, PA and Jennifer Meadows (Shayne) of Ronks, PA; two brothers, Amos Alston (June) of Newark, DE, and James Alston (Bernadette) of Harrisburg, PA; three sisters, Idamae Calloway of Plymouth Meeting, PA, Irene Robinson (Jerry) of Richmond, VA and Phyllis Diana Alston of Coatesville, PA; 6 grandchildren: Jameel Cody, Jeffrey Marshall, Jeremiah Marshall, Genesis Meadows, Jayda Marshall, and Xavier Meadows; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, David Lee Alston, George Alston, Frank Alston, Rudisill Alston, Sr., and Willie Alston, Sr.; sisters, Betty Ruth Dantzler, Alberta Reese, Mary Jones, and Shirley Alston; and daughter-in-law, Terry Wynn Cody.

Helen's life was a beautiful testimony of faith, love, service, and family. She leaves behind a legacy of grace, compassion, and unwavering devotion to God and those she loved. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that she has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and now rest in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. — 2 Timothy 4:7

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever in our hearts.

Homegoing services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, July 3, 2026, at New Life In Christ, 1 South Fifth Avenue, Coatesville, PA. A viewing will be held from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM.

Interment will be held in Rolling Green Memorial Park in West Chester.

Family and friends may share condolences through the guestbook link on this memorial page. All are welcome to light a candle in Helen's memory.