Obituary of Mother Doris E. Covington

Doris Elizabeth Covington was born March 24, 1937 to the late Lawrence and Rachel Covington in Dillon, SC. She departed this life on March 22, 2022 for a better life in heaven. Doris’ education began in the public schools of Dillon and the private school of Browning Home and Mather Academy, in Camden, SC respectively. As many Octogenarians of today knew, growing up in South Carolina in those days was not easy. African Americans knew that education was the equalizer. Her parents stressed, at all cost, that their children would receive the best education that they could offer. Doris graduated from Barber Scotia College, Concord, NC with a degree in Education, with a minor in English. She began graduate work at Pembrook College. She was first employed in the public schools in Lumberton, NC., Fayetteville, NC., Pinehurst, NC., and ended her teaching career in Rowland, NC. She often talked about her basketball coaching career and her winning record. She loved her work and her students. After a distinguished teaching career in the state of North Carolina, she retired after 35 years of service. Doris was devoted and committed to her church and faith. She was involved in numerous church ministries and gave of herself unconditionally to the senior choir, Trustee board, Missionary Society, Euclid Chapter # 24 Order of the Eastern Star, where she served as Associate Matron. Her joy of singing could not be denied; she delighted in bringing new musicians to Manning, and inevitably they would stay because the membership and the choir members would become family. She leaves an unbreakable spirit and tenacity that will see us through the difficulties of today and tomorrow. Her mental ability to think through situations, remember people, places and things, remained with her to the end. After a long illness, she was still taken from our nest rather suddenly; however, man in his infinite wisdom is still man, only God knows the appointed time and place. Even though our family nest is smaller, our sister’s place in that once nest of “seven” will remain. She will never be forgotten. Her legacy and quiet manner will sustain all of us as we celebrate her life. Doris is survived by one sister, Rachel Covington-Banks of Gastonia, NC, one brother, Lawrence Covington(Mary) of Fairfax Station, Va.; three nieces, Annette Gadsden-Smith (Kevin) of Jacksonville, FL, Stephanie Covington of Fort Washington, MD and Whigham Covington of New York City, NY; three nephews, Samuel Spann, III (Patricia) of Laurel, MD, Rev. Lawrence Spann of Dayton, OH, and Dr. Damian Covington (Carol) of Chesterfield, VA; two great nieces, Lindsey Spann of Upper Malboro, MD, Nia Covington of Chesterfield, VA; three great nephews, Tyler Spann of Laurel, MD, and Damian (DJ) Covington and Drew Covington, both of Chesterfield, VA; special cousin, Rebecca(Vonne) Johnson; sister cousin, Gail Bethea Jackson; special friend Helen Clarke and a host of other relatives and loving friends.