Joan Ellen "Cookie" Covington (nee Leon)

Covington, Joan Ellen “Cookie” (nee Leon), baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection surrounded by her children on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the age of 83. Joan was born in Washington, D.C.; the daughter of the late Dr. Albert K. and F. Evelyn (nee Veihmeyer) Leon, and sister of the late Carol Ann Miller (nee Leon). Joan was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and foster mother.

“Cookie”, as she was affectionately known, was the beloved wife for 54 years of Lawrence V. “Skip” Covington before he preceded her in death on August 10, 2014; the mother of Mary Christine Covington, Laura Michelle (Brian) Sibley, Timothy Jude (Mary) Covington, Michael Gerard (Cindy) Covington, Stephen Leon (Monica) Covington, Suzanne Marie Covington, and Jennifer Norine (Christopher) Miller; grandmother of 18, great-grandmother of 9, and dedicated foster parent of nearly 200 children.

Cookie was a shining light in the lives of all who knew her, spreading love and kindness to everyone she encountered. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and an unwavering faith in God. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, infectious laughter, humble nature, and cheerful disposition. Dancing remained her lifelong passion, a joy she embraced well into her seventies and eighties. Cookie was deeply committed to her faith, family, and friends, and dedicated herself to caring for others, especially those in need. For 38 years, she was a skilled foster parent, passionately advocating for children with special needs. She became an expert in various therapies, constantly seeking ways to improve their lives. Cookie had a rare gift for making everyone feel loved and cared for, leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed her path. Her life served as an example to many, and her love had a profound impact on countless lives.

Although Cookie’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. Memories of her selfless acts of kindness are a blessing, and she will be deeply missed by all the lives she touched. May we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. Her light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.

What is Success?
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Services: Memorial Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Valley Park, Monday, July 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lafayette Industries. The family will receive friends at the church prior to mass from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.