Marise Allen Covington
October 25, 1921 – March 12, 2017

Early Sunday morning, March 12, Marise Allen Covington, 95, of Rockingham, NC, went to be with Our Lord. Although her body was tired, her mind and spirit were strong, and she was ready when He called her. She passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family and friends.

Marise departed this world on her own terms, which her family believes she carefully scripted with Jesus Christ our savior. She had much to do on this earth before she arrived at the gates of Heaven. In her last years, she overcame hurdles few expected and lived a full and vibrant life. Throughout her 95 years, she touched many lives and left lasting memories to help shape the beliefs of those left behind. She had a deliberate purpose - to ensure others understood the glory of God, the love Our Father has for each of us, and the beauty that rests within each of our souls. Those of us who were lucky to know her, understand this well.

Graceful, Unconditional Love, Impactful & God-Loving … these are just a few of the words that describe Marise Allen Covington.

Her passion was her family - her ‘traditional family”, her “church family” and her “extended friend family” and she loved and treasured them all.
   
She was born in Richmond County, the daughter of the late Henry Thomas and Vera Thomas Allen. Marise was the oldest living Founding Member of Crestview Baptist Church and the daughter in-law of “Walking Billy” Covington (former Rockingham magistrate and author of a weekly column for The Post-Dispatch).

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard Gaston Covington; a son Richard Gaston Covington, Jr.; son-in-law, Allen Adams; brothers: Tommy Allen (Dorothy), Bruce Allen (Sara) and Jimmy Allen.

Surviving children: Nikki Covington Adams of Greenville, NC and Mike Covington (Dottie) of Pawley’s Island, SC.

Surviving grandchildren: Michelle Marise Taylor (Ronnie), Nicole Adams Davis (Jeff), Danielle Adams Rasey, Michael Covington, Jr., Mark Covington (Debbi), Mike Wells (Victoria) and David Wells (Annie).

Surviving great-grandchildren: Lexi Taylor Cheshire (Drew), Tori Taylor, Grayson Taylor, Josh Taylor, Hunter Davis, McKenna Davis, Cameron Rasey, Lucas Rasey and Kiana Travis.

Surviving great-great-grandson: Nash Allen Cheshire.

Surviving brothers: Gene Allen, Ben Allen, Steve Allen (Glenda), sister-in-law Christine Allen, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services celebrating her life will be conducted Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. at Crestview Baptist Church with Rev. Robby Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in the Covington-Thrower Family Cemetery on Billy Covington Road. The family will receive friends from 12-1:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

The casket will be draped with an antique friendship quilt made in the late 1920s by local community members, including Marise. The quilt, hand-embroidered with each quilter’s name, is registered with the NC quilt society.  

The family suggests memorials be made to Crestview Baptist Church, 436 Crestview Dr. Rockingham, NC 28379 or Richmond Co. Hospice 1119 US Hwy #1 N Rockingham, NC 28379.

Online condolences may be made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com
Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Covington family.

The family would like to express special appreciation to caregivers Grace Nicholson and Lydia Mabe for their never ending loving support to Marise and to Richmond County Hospice Care for their kind and compassionate care.

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