Gail Antoinette Covington

1942 ∼ 2021

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March 7, 1942 – April 23, 2021

Gail is now rejoicing in heaven without pain or suffering, enjoying a sweet reunion with loved ones gone before. The months preceding her passing found her recuperating from knee surgery and diverticulitis that led to a hospital stay. The family will honor her with a private burial service at Oak Bluff Memorial Park Cemetery, Port Neches.

Her illness does not define this beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She lived a life of loving service to her family, friends, to the less fortunate, and to stray dogs who were lucky enough to find their way to her doorstep. Those who knew her, loved her and were the blessed recipients of her fierce love and loyalty. Those who could count Gail as a friend, knew they had a friend for life.

Gail was never happier than in her kitchen. As her large family gathered to enjoy her southern cooking, she was in her glory. She loved having her family around her and made sure every family gathering was one to remember with everyone’s favorite dish overflowing on her table. Her freezer was always stocked with multiple flavors of ice cream and other treats for her kids or anyone who might drop by. She cooked with love and lavishly shared with others. For many years, she hosted a monthly luncheon for the seniors in the Fellowship Joy Club.

Gail enjoyed using her gifts to care for family. Whether in her kitchen using gadgets to make delicious coffee and food or in her sewing room making treasures for children, grandchildren or great grandchildren, every ingredient or stitch was added with love. She held the ideal college degree to go with her interests and talents. She graduated from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC with a degree in Home Economics. She used these talents to brighten the lives of family and friends.

While growing up in the Gilmer/Longview TX area, Gail met the love of her life, Harvey Covington. They married after graduating college and as the wife of a Dupont engineer moved around the country before finally settling in Nederland, then Port Arthur TX. Throughout their lives, Gail and Harvey were faithful supporters of local churches and volunteered with ministries within their church and community. Following a family heritage of civil servants, including nurses, a county judge, sheriff and Texas Rangers, Gail also chose public service. She worked as an investigator for Child Protective Services eventually retiring from the State of Texas. In her work she was able to impact the lives of many children, including Heather who she lovingly called her “New York daughter.” Still, these many years later, many kept in touch with her on a regular basis.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents, Allen Webb and Lucille Bryce Blakely and numerous family members.

She is survived by her husband, Harvey, of Port Artur TX; son Bryce Covington, (wife Michelle) of Simpsonville, SC; son, Kyle Covington, (wife Lisa) of Round Rock, TX; daughter Cassandra Covington-DeWall (husband Parrish) of Port Arthur, TX; son Shawn Covington of Bridge City, TX; seven grandchildren, Tyler (Shelby), Austin (Haley), Kaitlyn, Grace (Caleb), Madelyn, Kayla and Bryce Jr.; and six great grandchildren with a seventh on the way.

Due to the delicate nature of Harvey’s health, the family is not accepting visitors. Please direct all requests or inquiries to Parrish DeWall: 409-718-0980.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following charities that were loved and supported by Gail:

Real 4 Christ Ministries is a faith-based, non-profit organization that is committed to reaching East African lives for Christ. 18866 Stone Oak Pkwy Suite 103103, San Antonio TX 78258

Or online: https://real4christ.com/donate

New Beginnings connects with the needs of the Port Arthur community by providing assistance in a mentorship, job training, food, clothing, and Bible Studies. These programs and initiatives take the form of classes and various outreaches on the streets, and social work / projects that assist those in need. PO Box 4040, Port Arthur, TX 77641

Or online: https://www.newbeginningstx.org/donate/

Condolences

Montez Webb Mcdonald June 5, 2021

We were so very sorry to hear of the passing of our beautiful niece and cousin. We saw little of her across the miles through the years, but cherished the time that we spent together with her and her family. She was a beautiful person, a wonderful parent and wife, and someone that we will miss. We are so sorry for her children and grandchildren who are surely at a loss now missing her. God bless you all and please let's stay in touch. Montez Webb McDonald & Sheila Forster Lucia

Gail Harrison April 29, 2021

Love and prayers for all of Gail’s family and friends. My heart aches for you during this difficult time. Thankful for the grace of God that gives comfort and strength. It is heartbreaking for me to realize one of my dearest friends is gone. We had a friendship that started as college friends and lasted a lifetime. Through the years we were separated by distance, career and raising a family, but when we would reconnect it was if we never missed a beat. Our close relationship always remained the same. We were so much alike. We shared the same name and spelled the same way. Same major in school and had many classes together. We both had red hair and were tall and thin (back then). Gail had so many wonderful attributes. She was always caring, loving and serving others in so many ways. She was talented, creative, and special to all who knew her. I am so thankful for the memories of this special, precious lady. Our loss, but her gain. as I know she is with the Lord she loved and served. Continued prayers for all the family. Gail it is hard to say good bye. You will always have a special place in my heart. We will meet again. Gail Lilly Harrison

Gail A Van Arsdale April 28, 2021

I will miss Gail's smile and laugh, she always gave me some of the nicest compliments and was so good at sharing her home with others. I enjoyed her posts on facebook and will miss seeing them. She had such a big heart and would help anyone. Love to her and her family and they will all be in my prayers.

Irene Adams April 28, 2021

Gail was our friend for many years. She was truly a giver and loved to serve others. She never wanted anyone to worry over her, just shared needs of others. When I talked to Gail last week she shared her pain and need of medical help but most of all that Harvey was taken care of. We were fortunate to visit in her home in Houston, PA, New York, Nederland and in Port Arthur. I was also amazed at her talents to achieve whatever goal was before yet always care for others with very little apparent effort. We will always love and cherish our friendship with Gail & Harvey.

Crystal Chauvin April 28, 2021

This is a surprise to me. I saw sweet Mrs. Gail a few days before her surgery when she was at the hospital having pre-work done. I thought she looked and sounded so good. We laughed a lil together and updated each other on our lives since wed last seen each other. I will miss her and the world will definitely be a little darker without her smile. See ya later Mrs. Gail. Love and miss you. Praying for the family during yalls loss. :pray::heart::pray:

Rosalie Johnson April 28, 2021

I'm going to miss Mrs Gails beautiful sweet smile. Enjoyed talking to her while working together at the Food Pantry at Val Verde Baptist Church. Her loving and giving heart was a huge inspiration, Rest in Peace Sweet Lady

Anba Christine Green April 28, 2021

Gail opened her arms to me as a freshmen roommate, full of love, warmth and guidance. She was our prayer captain in our dorm. I was in awe of her sweet spirit and knowledge. My sophomore year I went home with her for our Christmas break. After she graduated we lost touch eventually but were reunited about 10 years ago-again I was in awe of her and how the Lord had blessed this wonderful woman. She was a true believer and had a beautiful testimony. Seeing the post on Facebook brought tears to my eyes but I know she is rejoicing with the Lord and that brings a smile to my face. Chris Hanratty Green

Debbie Gil April 28, 2021

Gail was a godly lady. She led by example and definitely had a servants heart. My mother, Mattie Clopton, was one of the many that they blessed through the Joy Club and Sunday School. Gail brought so much joy by organizing the trips and putting up with some of their shenanigans. I will miss that sweet smile too. Praying for all of you as you say your earthly goodbye with the peace we all have knowing we will see her again. Our prayers, love and respect from The Gil family.

Cynthia Hickling April 27, 2021

I want the family to know you are in my thoughts and prayers.