She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church where she volunteered with the Altar Guild for many years.
She was preceded in death by her seafaring husband Captain Billy Wayne Covington, daughter Jeanne, brothers Johan and Bertie, and sister Marita. She is survived by her sons Jonathan (Lisa), Miles (Buffy), and Teddy (Allison); grandchildren, Kim (Kevin) and Miles of South Africa, Kara, Tyler (Meg), Jordan (Heather), Ryan, Blake, Brandon (Morgan), Austin, Shelby, Bryant, Reed and an ever-increasing number of great-grandchildren.
Joan, affectionately called "Ouma" by most, was a true force of nature. When her boys were young, she ruled the roost with a tight rein and loving heart, keeping them in check while her husband was away sailing the seven seas. She made an enduring impression on boyhood friends of her sons, many of whom stayed in contact with her throughout her life.
Since childhood she adored animals and collected countless pets of all kinds, often saying she loved animals more than people (grandkids and great-grandkids excepted). With all of the animals she loved and cared for over the years, surely a friendly stampede greeted her when she entered the majesty of Heaven.
A wonderful matriarch, good neighbor, and loyal friend to those in need, she will be sorely missed.
A graveside service will be held at Pine Crest Cemetery West on Saturday 5 September 2020 at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Mobile Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks for the kind care provided by the nurses and staff of SAAD Hospice.
