Mary Elizabeth Goodson Covert

NEWPORT NEWS - Mary Elizabeth (Goodson) Covert, 95, of Southborough, Mass., died Wednesday Jan. 28, 2015 at Oak Knoll Medical Center, Framingham, Mass. She was widow of the late Rev. Harry M. Covert. She was daughter of Odell Clifford C. and Elizabeth Neill (Barker) Goodson. Mrs. Covert was born November 26, 1919 in Newport News, Va., and was a June 1937 graduate of Newport News High School. She was pianist for the Gospel Tabernacle of the Assemblies of God, Newport News, beginning at age 16 and continuing when the church became First Assembly of God. She served as Sunday School teacher for many years, Vacation Bible School director, youth director and minister of music. Called "Aunt Bea" and "Betsy," she shared her talents at revival meetings in Hampton Roads and Potomac District of the Assemblies of God camp meetings at Falling Waters, W. Va. She partnered with her husband in his early ministry, including weekly street meetings in Phoebus and Hampton, Va., from 1937-1942. The meetings led to the founding of several churches on the Lower Virginia Peninsula. She held various positions in Newport News including: legal secretary during World War II; financial secretary at Sears & Roebuck; and nearly 20 years as secretary for the Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula, retiring in 1978. She also was accompanist for the Woman's Club of Newport News' seniors' fashion shows, which raised funds for the Girls Club. She moved to Frederick, Md., in 1997 and joined Victory Assembly of God Church. She continued her music ministry there until 2008, when she moved to Southborough. She is survived by son Harry M. Covert Jr. of Frederick, Md.; son Norman M. Covert and wife Loretta of Frederick, Md.; daughter Rachel Paquette and husband Thomas of Southborough; and son-in-law Timothy Stansbury of Melbourne, Fla. She was predeceased by her daughter Fayetta M. Stansbury. She was known as "Mammaw" by her 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She was loved by numerous nieces, nephews and many who were welcomed into the family home. She had a special place in her heart for grandson Christopher Ross Covert, who lived and cared for her more than 30 years. Mrs. Covert also is survived by her brother Carl C. Goodson and wife Margaret of Nellysford, Va.; sister Christine Hensel of Hampton, Va.; sister Arlene Davis of Charleston, S.C.; sister Myra Jessen and husband William of Gloucester Point, Va. There will be no visitation. Services will be held Monday Feb. 9, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 12716 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, Va., with the Rev. Lonnie Correll officiating. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park. Pallbearers will include grandsons Harry E. Covert, Alan S. Covert, Christopher R. Covert, David T. Paquette, Marc J. Paquette, Peter N. Covert, and Patrick M. Covert. A reception will be held at the church immediately following interment. Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of contributions to Victory Christian Center, Assemblies of God, 7722 Edgewood Church Road, Frederick, MD 21702; or First Baptist Church, 12716 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, thanking them for generously hosting the services and reception. Morris Funeral Home, Southborough, Mass., and Peninsula Funeral Home, Newport News, Va., are in charge of arrangements.