IRENE COVINGTON

SANFORD — Irene Hook Covington, age 93, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in Sanford, North Carolina, on July 14, 2013.

Irene was born in Elon, Alamance County, NC, June 5, 1920, the daughter of the former Dr. A.L. Hook and wife Jessie Dawson Hook. She was predeceased by her husband Martin "Cade" Covington, MD, their son Martin Cade Covington, Jr, their daughter Nancy Irene Covington Dickens, and her eldest sister Sara Virginia H. Burton.

Irene loved her family. Her survivors include five sons, Dr. Alonzo Hook Covington (Pat) of Rockingham, NC; Dr. Donald Van Covington (Ellen) of Rockingham, NC; Mr. Robert Lyon Covington of Nashville, TN; Dr. Frank Edward Covington (April) of Beaufort, NC; Dr. Raymond Paul Covington (Cathy) of Whitsett, NC; and Nancy's husband, Brannon Dickens of Sanford, NC. Irene is also survived by two sisters, Jean H. Harrell of Concord, NC, Patricia H. Neal of Morehead City, NC, and also her 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Irene earned her bachelors degree from Elon College and Masters of Education from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. Irene taught music and coached basketball in Eli Whitney, NC. Irene and Cade established a summer camp, Camp Shawanagi for girls, in Capon Bridge, WV. Irene was an early female pioneer in aviation and was active in Petticoat Pilots.

Irene and Cade Covington were a team and chose working together to make their communities a stronger and better place in which to live. After Cade finished medical school in Virginia, they worked together to establish a thriving medical practice and became heavily involved in education in Lee County. She joined Jonesboro United Methodist Church and, as with every organization she and her children were associated, became involved. One of her joys was leading the church youth choir.

Other than her family, Irene's other passion was Elon University. She loved being an ambassador for prospective students along with all her wonderful friends throughout the many years of activities involved with the Alumni Association. In 1999, Elon presented her with the Distinguished Alumni Service Award.

A funeral service followed by interment will be held at the Jonesboro United Methodist Church, Sanford, on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, at 11 a.m. The service will be conducted by the Rev Hunter Preston. The family will begin receiving friends at 9:30, prior to the service, in the Jonesboro UMC's Wesley Center.

The family is indebted to the devoted care and loving kindness of Sharon Barney and Kim Read.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Elon University, Elon, NC 27244; to Jonesboro United Methodist Church, 407 West Main St, Sanford, NC 27330; or to a charity of choice.

Online Condolences may be at www.rogerspickard.com

Arrangements are by Rogers-Pickard Funeral Home.