Joanne M. Covington

Reflecting on the Life of Joanne M. Covington

Joanne Marcia Covington was a beacon of strength, beauty, and faith. Born on September 26, 1956, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, to the late Jerry and Shirley Covington, she began her journey as a spirited and talented young woman. She departed this life to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Joanne grew up in Avenel, New Jersey, and was a proud graduate of Colonia High School. During her high school years, she was a standout athlete, setting records on the track team, a testament to the determination that would characterize her entire life.

Her poise and elegance led her to a modeling career with Naomi Sims in New York City. She carried this grace into the hospitality industry, where she was honored to serve as a hostess in the elegant Peacock Lounge at the renowned Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Later, she brought her warm, welcoming spirit to the Short Hills Hilton, greeting guests in the hotel's gourmet dining room with her signature smile.

Beyond her professional life, Joanne was defined by her incredible resilience. She was a woman who endured many circumstances and profound losses, yet she never allowed the shadows to dim her light. She maintained a positive attitude and a spirit of gratitude through every trial, standing as a pillar of strength for her family.

As a mother of three sons, she provided them with all the unconditional love they could ever want. Her support for her children was unmatched, deeply felt, and admired by others. She was always overwhelmingly happy when her children were happy, and she cherished every moment!

Joanne possessed a true servant’s heart. She was a dedicated caregiver and was passionate about giving back. Regardless of her own circumstances, she consistently supported various charitable organizations and individuals in need, embodying the biblical principle of selfless giving. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life and was evident through her unwavering service to the church. She faithfully served at Holy Mountain Church of God in Christ and later at Agape Family Worship Center, where she dedicated more than seven years as a core Team Leader in the Children’s Ministry. In this role, she was an excellent children’s teacher and instrumental in organizing and assisting with Vacation Bible School.

After relocating to the Dallas–Fort Worth area in 2017, she became an active member of Ed Citronelli Ministries World Healing Church. There, she continued her servant leadership by faithfully serving as a Deaconess for three years, a co-captain in the usher ministry for over four years, and a trustee for two years. In every role she held, she led with humility, commitment, and a genuine heart for God’s people.

In her leisure time, Joanne found joy in watching a good Turner Classic Movie and the excitement of travelling. She cherished the memories made during family trips to Costa Rica, but her recent favorite travels were those that took her around the country to cheer on her grandsons as they played college basketball. She was their biggest fan, and those moments brought her immense pride and happiness.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry Covington, Sr., and Shirley Covington, and her beloved sons, Mark T. Gray II and Carrington J. Gray (“CJ”).

She leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy: her devoted son, Tyrone Morgan and his wife Danielle; her adoring grandsons, Jayson Morgan and Quentin Morgan; two brothers, Jerry Covington, Jr. and Charles L. Covington; three sisters, Yolanda Williams (Dallas), Gail C. Horton (Dwight), and Esther Covington Munoz (Napoleon); her nieces, Leisha Long (Sean) and Olivia Covington; her nephews, Darian Horton, Eric Hawthrone, Jr. (Grecia) and Michael Jerry Covington (“MJ”); and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.