Irene May Covington

Irene was born in Monroe Township, New Jersey and lived in Helmetta, New Jersey most of her life before moving to New Bern in 2021. Irene was known for her creativity, kindness, strong spirit and devotion to her family.

She and her late husband, Harold, shared 63 wonderful years together, building a life centered on love and family. As a devoted wife and mother of five, she created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and guidance. Her family was her greatest pride and joy that she would do absolutely anything for.

Irene spent many years as a school bus driver in Monroe Township caring for countless children in her community with patience and gentleness. Beyond her work, she was an avid painter who found joy and comfort in bringing beauty into the world through her art, leaving behind pieces that will remind her loved ones of her talent. While she wore many hats, her favorite role was being "Nana". Family dinners on Sundays were something she looked forward to as she watched her grandchildren run back and forth through the house. She adored watching both her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and bringing joy and laughter into the home at every visit. Irene also enjoyed watching her SyFy and western television shows, going on road trips and finding treasures at garage sales. Her quick wit, laugh and playful insistence on always being right will be remembered by all who knew her. She always had a way of filling a room with sunshine and her presence would be dearly missed.

Irene was predeceased by her parents Robert C. and Margaret (Searfoss) Linke, her brothers William, Albert, Alan, Kenneth and Ronald “Tracey” Linke and sisters Carolyn (Linke) Cronce and Carmelleta (Linke) Balas, her husband Harold Covington, and her two sons Harold Covington Jr and David Covington.

Irene is survived by her sister Sharon (Linke) White, her children Tammy Aarseth, Kevin Covington and wife Rosalie, and Susan Koscinski and husband Thomas, all 10 grandchildren Charles Aarseth, Nelson Covington, Alicea Giorgianni, Katelyn Oliva, Britni Covington, David Covington II, Tiffany Covington, TJ Koscinski, Sara Koscinski and Victoria Covington, and 6 great grandchildren Delilah Covington, Dominick Giorgianni IV, Alaina Giorgianni, Ava Oliva, Eisley Aarseth and Sapphire Pryor.

A celebration of life will be organized at a later date.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Irene May Covington.