Funeral services for Dorothy "Dottie" Smith Covington, 87, of Beaumont will be held Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church with Dr. Frank Alegria officiating. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 p.m. at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home.
Dottie was born January 8, 1921 in Cumberland, Maryland to the late Carroll Ney and Frances Smith. She passed away February 20, 2008. Upon her graduation from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, she married her sweetheart, Jack Covington, on June 11, 1942. They resided in Port Arthur for many years before moving to Beaumont in 1990. She was a member of First United Methodist Church.
Dottie served others and brought joy to all who knew her. She taught Sunday school to countless young people at St. Mark's Methodist Church in Port Arthur. She was a gifted, creative homemaker who enjoyed decorating tables for innumerable banquets at the Department Club and at St. Marks. Her P.E.O. sisters in Chapter AT and Chapter CC were blessed by her devotionals, as were the United Methodist Women. She was a wonderful teacher, leading thoughtful studies on the Holy Scriptures. She sang with the Port Arthur Choral Club and the Beaumont Interfaith Choral Society. She particularly enjoyed singing in the Chancel Choir at First United Methodist Church. Until her health failed, she loved to share roses from Jack's garden with others. Everyone who knew her will miss her wit and humor. The family is grateful for the great kindnesses shown by the many people who cared for her during her illness.
Dottie is survived by her husband, Jack Covington of Beaumont; daughter, Carla Schaefer and husband Ed of Beaumont; son-in-law, Peter Zink of Mainesville, Ohio; three grandchildren, Erin Cox and Leigh Anne Spell of Beaumont and Martha Bellamy of Clear Lake; and four great-grandchildren, Reagan, Nathan and Griffin Cox and Lorrie Claire Spell of Beaumont.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Margaret Ann Covington Zink and her brother, Carroll Ney Smith. Well done, good and faithful servant. Matthew 25:23.
Friends who wish may direct memorial contributions to First United Methodist Church, 701 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77701.