Mary Wilkinson Covington

Mary Wilkinson Covington, 87, of Charlotte, N.C., passed away last Monday, July 4, 2022, after a long illness. She was born November 6, 1934, in Rocky Mount, NC, the youngest daughter of the late William Stronach and Lula Daughtridge Wilkinson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Covington, and sisters Lula Wyatt Bailey and Nan Stronach Price.

Mary earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Women’s College (now UNC-Greensboro.) She went on to receive her master’s in education from Chapel Hill and taught many students from California to North Carolina in grades K-12.
She loved to travel and taught in Germany for several years early in her career.

Mary was well-known for her lovely singing voice and musical talent which she shared generously. She participated in Opera Carolina and led a children’s music program at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. Her own children have memories of her singing in church and the pews around them getting quiet so they could all listen to her beautiful voice. Classically trained, Mary never forgot the joy of all music and would often surprise and delight others with a rousing rendition of “Good Ol’ Mountain Dew,” complete with autoharp and straw hat.

Mary had a special love of the mountains. Together, she and Jim built a second home just north of Asheville that was always open to family and friends. They made new and fast friendships with the local folk, too, joining in the square dances, picnics, and craft festivals.

Always a teacher, Mary’s ability to read stories aloud and make them come alive with different voices was a gift to her students and to children of all ages. Christmas often included not only carols with Mary at the piano singing, but also a dramatic reading while family and friends gathered in the living room.

Mary was an excellent and creative cook. Neighborhood children loved to visit for dinner, and she always made sure there was something special for each of them. She and her husband, Jim, were known for their hospitality. Together, they planned and hosted many memorable parties and social gatherings, providing lively opportunities for fun. For years, she also hosted an annual family vacation that kept children and grandchildren close and connected.

Mary was happiest when giving of herself; her great love was serving others. No matter where she was, she made friends; She generously offered her skills and talents, giving joy and loving support to everyone she met. This is a legacy that continues to flow through the lives of those who knew and loved her well.

A memorial service celebrating Mary’s life will be held this Saturday, July 9, 2022, at 1:00 pm in Gordon Funeral Chapel, 1904 Lancaster Avenue, Monroe, NC. The family will visit with friends and family following the service. A private interment will be held in Evergreen Cemetery in Charlotte, NC.

Mrs. Covington is survived by her son, Jim Covington and his wife Veronica Covington; daughters Sarah Covington and Mary Rymer and her husband John Rymer; grandchildren, Regan Covington, Kathryn Rymer Remley, John Rymer II, Sam Rymer, Charlie Rymer, Holly Covington, Hannah Covington and great-grandchild, Aerith Covington.

The family would like to express gratitude to the caregivers and staff of Waltonwood at Providence in Charlotte, and to Charlotte Region Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in honor of Mary W. Covington to:

Hospice Palliative Care, Charlotte Region
P.O. Box 470408
Charlotte, NC 28247
or
Alzheimer’s Association - Western Carolina Chapter
National Processing Center
PO Box 96011
Washington, DC 20090-6011

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is caring for the Covington family.