Catherine Ann McGill

Catherine Ann McGill passed away peacefully at her home in Stone Mountain, Georgia on October 25 after a short illness. Affectionately known as "Kay" to friends, she exemplified love of family, faith in God and service to community.

Kay was born on August 1, 1940 in Morristown, NJ to the late Alex and Carrie Mae (Patterson) Covington. As a part of the Great Migration, her parents moved north from Rockingham, NC in search of a better life. From the close-knit neighborhood of old Flagler Street, Kay attended public school and graduated with honors from Morristown High School. She was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church at age 13, and remained an active member until her passing.

Kay began her career with Bell Laboratories in 1958 at the Whippany location, joining the stenography pool directly after HS graduation. At that time, she was the first and only person of color in the group. Those humble beginnings led to a career lasting nearly 40 years and sent Kay to the highest levels of the prestigious company. Aware of this privilege, Kay dutifully pulled others along as she climbed.

Although circumstances required her to begin work soon after high school, Kay valued learning and knew the benefits an education could provide. Taking advantage of the company's tuition reimbursement program, she chose to pursue a dream deferred. With three children and later one on the way, Kay completed her college education. Beginning at Morris County Community College, and then transferring to Pace University in New York, Kay received her bachelor's degree on February 15, 1977, the very day her youngest daughter was born. This accomplishment was followed by a Master's Degree in Education and Counseling from Trenton State College and a Master's Program for Senior Executives at MIT. Throughout her career with Bell Laboratories, Kay was recognized for her contributions to making the company a better workplace.

Preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Lou Tucker-Howell and Diana Covington, Kay leaves to cherish her memory four daughters; Lisa and Nicole Blackwell, Alexis (Robert) McGill Johnson and Kai Grayson; five grandchildren Najah Blackwell, Khari and Kaden Grayson, Sara and Dylan Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 10 Martin Luther King Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960 on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hagar's House of Decatur, Homeless Shelter for Women and Children, where Kay often volunteered. (Decaturcooperativeministry.org/dcm/donate)