Helene Cox Heywood

Helene Cox Heywood, beloved wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. Born June 26, 1959, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Jay Kent Smith and Judy Kay Puckett Smith. She was later lovingly adopted and raised by her mother and stepfather, Glen W. Cox. Both of her fathers preceded her in death.

As the oldest child in her family, she learned to love caring for little ones. She is survived by her siblings Coy J. Cox (Josette), Michelle Maughan (Robert), and Glenda Kersey (Victor). She was preceded in death by her brother Andrew W. Cox.

On May 4, 1978, Helene married the love of her life, Kevin True Heywood, in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. Together they built a home centered on faith, love, and family. Helene was the devoted mother of seven children: Amanda Flanagan (Brady), Kristopher Kevin Heywood, Mason Cox Heywood (Anna), Blake True Heywood (Breckon), Megan Sharp (Paul), Tyler Andrew Heywood, and Courtney Madsen (Jacob). She was also the proud and loving grandmother of eighteen grandchildren, who were truly the joy of her life.

Helene faithfully served throughout her life in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Primary, Sunday School, Young Women, and Relief Society on both the ward and stake levels. Her strong testimony of the gospel influenced countless lives and was a steady source of strength and guidance for her family.

Helene had many talents and passions. As a teenager she excelled at junior golf, showing the determination and focus that would characterize much of her life. She also learned the art of crochet from her grandmother Arva Smith, a skill she lovingly developed over the years. Helene created countless crocheted dresses, blessing outfits, shoes, and blankets—many of which she joyfully gave away to friends and family members.

She also loved looking her best and turned that passion into a talent and career. For more than thirty years she did nails for many women in her community, forming lasting friendships along the way. Although reserved in public, she had a silly side that shone around those she loved.

Helene will be remembered for her generosity, her creativity, her devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and most of all her deep, deep love for her family. Her influence will continue to be felt in the lives of all who knew and loved her.

Funeral Service to be held on Friday, March 13, 2026:

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

3901 2925 S.

West Valley City, Utah 84120

Viewing 9am-10:30am

Funeral 11am

Interment to follow:

Stansbury Park Cemetery

132 E Brigham Rd

Stansbury Park, Utah 84074

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to help cover funeral expenses via Venmo to @KEVINTHEYWOOD