Willie L. Alston, Sr.

Willie L. Alston, Sr., 82, of Valley Township in Coatesville, PA, passed away Thursday evening, June 25, 2020, at Penn Medicine Hospice in West Chester. 

Born in Coatesville, Willie was the son of the late David K. Alston Sr. and Ida Bell Eggleston Alston.  He was the husband of the late Sara Romaine Chambers Alston with whom he shared 52 years of marriage.  

Willie attended the Historical James Adams Elementary School and S. Horace Scott Senior High School.  While a youth, Willie was a self-made entrepreneur. He was also given the name the “pencil” and “water boy” because of his small stature when competing in football, basketball, and track and field.  After high school, Willie attended Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology where he mastered the art of bricklaying and carpentry.  Willie was dedicated to his craft.  He would later pass his skills of working with his hands to his children.  Willie was a part of the Bricklayers Union and retired from the craft after many years. 

Willie enjoyed several activities and hobbies which included singing, line dancing, roller skating, gardening, fishing, traveling, track and field, Senior Citizenship Olympics, and telling stories.  What stood out the most about Willie was his sense of humor and his stories.  Willie loved to socialize and tell stories about his experiences and the Alston family.  Willie made it a point that the Alston history needed to be preserved.  Later in life, he would attend the “Hour of Power Prayer,” in which he would discuss religion, current events, and issues pertaining to the Alston family.  Additionally, Willie was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Coatesville, PA.   

Willie is survived by his sons, Isaac Linwood Alston Sr. (Victoria James), Willie Franklin Alston Jr.; daughters, Sara Alston-Edwards, Gloria D. Alston-Anthony (Frank); grandchildren whom he raised: Maurice Treadwell, Jr., Marquis Alston, Jasmine Edwards, Sara Boykin, Zyonna Boykin, and Tyshon Drawhorn; brothers: Amos Alston (June), James Alston (Bernadette); sisters: Helen Cody (James), Idamae Calloway (Rev. William), Irene Robertson (Jerry), and Diana Alston; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Alston; aunts, Dr. Salona Foster, Annabelle Eggleston; 18 grandchildren, 38 great granchildren and a host of  nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Willie was preceded  in death by two sons, Eric R. Alston, David L. Alston; daughter, Karen Alston; four sisters: Betty Ruth Dantzler, Alberta Reese, Mary Jones, Shirley Alston; brothers: George L. Alston, David L. Alston, Jr. , Frank P. Alston, and Rudisill Alston.

Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic situation, the funeral service will be held privately with limited seating for immediate family only to allow for safe physical distancing.

Interment will be in New Evergreen Cemetery, Coatesville.

Click here to view the funeral service video.   

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