Ruth Thompkins Cody was born in Madison, Florida on September 24, 1928 to the late Victoria Williams and Donald Thompkins Sr. She transitioned home to our heavenly father on January 21, 2014. Ruth accepted Christ at an early age. Later in life she verbalized the prayer of salvation and would attend St. Phillip C.M.E. Church. She was educated in the public schools in Lee County. Ruth worked for The City of Fort Myers as the supervisor of young men who referred to her as a second mother. She later worked at Sunnyland, now known as Gulf Coast Center. Eventually she retired from Sunnyland to take care of her ill mother. After the death of her mother, Ruth went back to work at Michigan Montessori Elementary. She rendered her services in the cafeteria until 2006 when she had her leg amputation.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Cecil Cody; three sons, William Cody Jr., Larry Cody, Tommy Cody; two brothers, Ralph and Donald Thompkins; son-in- law, Albert Reed and god son Freddie Thomas.

She leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Debra Cody-Reed (Jamie); her sons, Kenneth Cody (Gwen), Ronnie Cody, Rowdy Cody and Robbie Cody; her beloved god daughters, Alencia Dozier (Willie), Dorothy and Shavon Thomas; one devoted, friend Dot Smith, 14 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson (King), and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.