Celestine Alston, 77, manager

Celestine Phyllis Alston, 77, of Royersford, a program manager for an aerospace company, died Friday, Nov. 8, of cancer at Phoenixville Hospital.

Mrs. Alston enjoyed a 30-year career in the aerospace division of General Electric Co. She started in 1955 as a temporary administrative assistant at the company's offices at 34th and Chestnut Streets.

At the height of her career she was a program manager working from aerospace headquarters in King of Prussia.

"During the 1970s, it was unheard of for anyone to hold such a position without a college degree," said her daughter, Yvette Alston-Pepper. "This was a true testimonial to her intelligence and organization skills."

Born in Philadelphia, Cellie, as she was known, graduated from Murrell Dobbins Vocational Technical School in 1955. Her specialty was the business clerical trade. She later attended La Salle College and studied theology.

Her ambition was to be a successful secretary, but she also wanted a family. She married Charles Lee Alston in December 1955. The couple had a son and daughter before divorcing.

While at GE, Mrs. Alston held a government secret security clearance and oversaw many sensitive projects. "She was blessed to be one of the early women of color holding a management position in a technical field for a Fortune 100 company," her daughter said.

Mrs. Alston worked to "open the door so that others could follow," according to her daughter. On retiring in 1993, Mrs. Alston received a letter from the Air Force recognizing her for the expertise, experience, and professionalism she demonstrated while working on classified projects.

In retirement, Mrs. Alston taught clerical skills to young women at Lincoln University. "Helping others to achieve by using her gifts was truly her passion," her daughter said.

In 1976, Mrs. Alston was baptized at Deliverance Evangelic Church on North Broad Street in Philadelphia. She used her administrative skills to assist the church, now on West Lehigh Avenue.

She enjoyed antiques, interior decorating, classical music, opera, pop music, theater, art, and singing.

Surviving, besides her daughter, are a son, C. Michael; three grandchildren; two sisters; and nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at Deliverance Evangelic Church, 2001 W. Lehigh Ave. A viewing will start at 8. Burial is in Rolling Green Memorial Park, West Chester.