Marilyn Lee Cody, 82, of Raleigh, NC, passed away on June 17, 2026, at home with family. She was born in Kanawha County, WV on April 26, 1944, daughter of Orien Aurelius DeMoss and June Lee DeMoss.

Marilyn was very funny, with a matter-of-fact way of saying things and not much of a filter — in the best, funniest way. She said exactly what she thought, and she was one of the most honest people anyone who knew her had ever met.

Marilyn was a 1962 graduate of St. Albans High School and attended college before marrying Wayne. She raised her two children and later entered the workforce. Marilyn loved spending time with her sister Gloria as much as possible — the two of them shared a love of playing bingo and trips to Las Vegas together. To her five grandchildren, she was simply “Grandma,” and being one was one of the greatest joys of her life.

Marilyn worked for Union Carbide, STS Soil Testing Services, and Bell Northern Research and Nortel, retiring from Nortel after many years of service.
Marilyn was married to the love of her life, Gerald Wayne Cody, for over 58 years. Together they enjoyed traveling, gardening, watching their favorite shows, and cheering on WVU and NC State.
She is survived by her son, Tim Cody of Merritt Island, FL, and her daughter, Jennifer Cody Scott (Brian) of Raleigh, NC; her grandchildren, Caroline Cody and Elizabeth Cody of Raleigh, NC, Daniel Cody of Pinehurst, NC, and Rachel Scott and Brant Scott of Raleigh, NC; and her brothers-in-law, Larry (Debbie) Cody of Chester, VA, and Jim (Nancy) Cody of Jackson, TN, as well as other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Marilyn is also survived by her niece, Marni Jones Rice — Gloria’s daughter — who held a special place in Marilyn’s heart and was loved by her as if she were one of her own children.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Wayne Cody; her parents, Orien Aurelius DeMoss and June Lee DeMoss; her sister, Gloria Jean DeMoss Jones; her brother, Michael DeMoss; her sister, Carolyn DeMoss; and her daughter, Jeanna Carol Cody.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Marilyn and Wayne’s home, 6424 Winthrop Drive, Raleigh, NC 27612.

Dress is casual, and guests are invited to wear lavender or purple, Marilyn’s favorite colors.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in honor of Marilyn’s beloved sister, Gloria Jean DeMoss Jones, who passed away from ALS in 2003 and was very dear to Marilyn’s heart. Donations may be made to ALS United North Carolina at alsnc.org/donate.