Judy Covington

On October 31, 2021, Judy Gwen Tucker Covington, while surrounded by her loving family, entered joyfully into the presence of Jesus and the eternal home that He had prepared for her.

Judy was born in Minden, Louisiana, on September 10, 1943, and lived there until she entered college at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, where she earned a degree in Home Economics.  It was there that she met and married the love for her lifetime, Van W. Covington.  After they both graduated and Van completed a military assignment, Van’s work planted them in Mississippi where they would remain for the rest of their married life, most of that time in Brandon.

Judy’s love of all things related to homemaking led her to be a stay-at-home mom for their three children.  Always dedicated to strengthening families, she moved into a career as a preschool educator at First Baptist Children’s Center when her youngest child was three years old and could attend there.  She taught several years, finally assuming the role of Director.  This connection allowed her to touch the lives of many children and their families in a positive and profound manner.  Her love for children and love for God made her a strong advocate for them and sound advisor to their parents.

Judy and Van have been faithful members of First Baptist Church in Brandon for over 45 years.  She has served in her church as a Sunday school teacher for three-year-olds, a teacher for 9th grade girls and participant in mission trips with the youth department, a member in ladies Bible study classes, and most recently as a nursery volunteer in the preschool ministry.  She even assumed a lead role in a church Christmas play.  Judy loved and supported her church family and all who served there.

Her warm personality and inviting smile endeared Judy to everyone who met her.   You were soon swept up in her positive attitude.  She was always willing to help plan an event to celebrate a happy occasion, and she could easily find a reason to laugh.  She lived life to the fullest, enjoying every moment spent with family and friends.  Yet she could also be depended on to offer consolation and sound advice when needed to help others through the difficult times in life. She will be remembered by a host of loyal friends who have been touched by her faith and grace.

Gardening and planting new flowers as seasons changed brought her great pleasure.  But her greatest joy was found in all things related to food – preparing it, eating it, sharing it.  Judy loved learning new recipes and perfecting them.  Sharing food that she lovingly prepared was an important part of her ministry to others.

Judy is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Van W. Covington, of Brandon, MS, and her children Wes Covington and wife Renee of Pearl, MS, Curtis Covington and wife Doina of Pearl, MS, and Kim Covington Core and husband David of Ponchatoula, LA.  This much loved Nana is also survived by her treasured grandchildren Logan Covington, Ashley Covington, Jenny Covington, Shelby Core and Curtis Core. She is also survived by her brother Jeffrey L. Tucker and wife Donna of Round Rock, TX and her sister Rita Vercher and husband Cary of Lake Charles, LA. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Mary Lou Covington, Judy Covington and Kay Duplechain.

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert Curtis and Chloe Phelps Tucker, and brothers-in-law Payton Covington and Paul Covington.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM Friday, November 5, 2021, at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS and 12:00 PM-1:00 PM Saturday, November 6, 2021, at First Baptist Church East, 308 S. College Street, Brandon, MS 39042. Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Saturday at the church. Interment will be held at Crestview Memorial Gardens in Brandon following the services.