Daisy Belle Covington

Daisy Belle Sturdivant Covington, a Proverbs 31 virtuous woman, is the daughter of the late Richmond Sturdivant and Lula Howell Sturdivant. She was born in Polkton County, North Carolina on January 1, 1922. After a short illness, the Lord called her home on January 21, 2024, at the blessed age of 102 years old. Daisy accepted the Lord at an early age at the Brown Creek Baptist Church in Wadesboro, North Carolina, and was baptized in the creek near her church. Daisy loved the Lord and was an avid prayer warrior. Many people asked her for prayer, and she understood the importance of leaning on the Lord and praying through life’s many challenges. After moving to Cherry Hill in the 1940’s she became a member of the First Baptist Church of Cherry Hill which was pastored by Rev. John H. Clarke. Daisy was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Cherry Hill for over 60 years. She loved being an usher and continued to serve on the Usher Board into her nineties. She demonstrated her love and joy of the Lord as she marched with the ushers through every step she took. She received numerous awards while a member of First Baptist including being honored as one of the oldest and longest active serving members. She was also a member and former president of the Flower Circle. Daisy received her education in the Polkton County school system where she received her High School diploma. She was in the first graduating class that included the 12th grade. She later graduated from the Apex School of Cosmetology in Baltimore, Maryland. Daisy married her childhood sweetheart, the late James Thomas (JT) Covington, on June 16, 1946, and lived in Baltimore, Maryland. From this union two sons were born, James Terrian and Gregory Lynn. When JT was “courting” Daisy back in North Carolina, he was so infatuated that he would walk over 10 miles to see her. Her father ensured that JT left when the sun went down. Unfortunately, he had to return home in the dark since there were no street lights in rural areas back in those times. Family meant everything to Daisy. She was the eleventh of thirteen children, and the last surviving sibling. She was the beloved matriarch of the family and she was honored and respected for her godly wisdom. She was a confidant, and loved by all of her family. She and her sister, Mamie, organized the start of the first Sturdivant Family Reunion in 1983 and the family recently celebrated the 21st reunion in 2023. Daisy was a cosmetologist who worked in the shop owned by her close friend Edith Graham. She also worked in several positions at Hutzler’s Department store and was very proud to be allowed to work with the Hutzler buyers. She was offered a job as an assistant buyer, however, it required frequent travel and her husband was not in favor of the position’s travel requirements Daisy loved to cook. Some of her specialties were sweet potato pie, lemon meringue pie, freshly grated coconut cake, Christmas cookies, salmon croquettes, as well as many other delicious dishes. She loved to entertain, and family and friends loved to come to her home to enjoy her hospitality. Daisy also loved to bowl. She was originally a duckpin bowler in the public school teachers’ league with her husband, but she eventually switched to ten-pins and bowled with the First Baptist Church bowling team. People often commented on her bowling slide which had the form of a younger bowler and she continued to bowl into her eighties. Daisy was a “fashionista”! Her outfits were always coordinated, stylish, and complemented by many. She loved her casual wear as well as her “Sunday-go-to-meetin’” suits, hats, pocketbooks, and shoes. She also loved a good bargain. She was a member of the Birthday Girls, a group of ladies that met solely to get out, enjoy a meal, and celebrate each other’s birthdays. They were very special to her. For the past 4 years, Daisy has been a resident at A Perfect Fit Assisted Living facility and the residents became a part of her extended family. They recognized her talents and she became the go-to person for flower arrangements and decorating. She was very active in their Bible study and often shared her knowledge of scripture. Daisy freely shared her perspectives on historical events, inventions, music, and things that she had seen and/or experienced during her long life. Daisy was preceded in death by her husband James Thomas (JT), brothers and sisters, Henry Walter (Jonnie), Robert L. (Ruth), Charles Birl (Louise), Leonard L. (Mary), Bessie Mae (Andrew), Lillie Pauline (Belton), Louise (Dave), Mamie (Richard Larry), Richmond Jr. (Daisy Belle) and James Frederick (Sarah). She leaves behind to cherish her memory: sons, James (Robin Patterson) and Gregory (Gloria); grandchildren, Kanod (Darmicka), Daunte (Linh), Derrian, and Adriana; one great-grandchild: Lily An; in-laws, Stuart M. Gary, Damu Malik Quarles, Jordan Gary, Ayashe Gary, V. Eric May, Sr. (Sharon) (sons, granddaughters and brother of daughter-in-law Robin Patterson); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and special lifelong friends Marion Curry and Edith Graham. Special thanks to: Christina Fitts and the staff of A Perfect Fit Assisted Living facility as well as her primary care physician Dr. Hmu Minn.

Tributes

Daisy Belle Covington

January 1, 1922 - January 21, 2024