Juanita E. Covington

Juanita “Nita” Covington, 84, of Montross, Virginia passed away on Sunday, August 1. Lovingly known as “Sugar Bear” by her son-in-law, Jess, she enjoyed doting on her late husband, while looking after her beloved Beagles and Jack Russel terriers. She was an avid cook, who loved making special dishes like her famous spaghetti sauce and leaving packages of homegrown vegetables on doorsteps.

While her kids were growing up, she worked as a bus driver in Northern Virginia followed by a career at People’s Life Insurance (currently Monumental Life Insurance) where she retired in 1985. Growing tired of retirement, she took up making cakes at the Publix bakery.

In her spare time, she went fishing with her family and played sports with her kids. One evening in the backyard, she missed a pitch, and her “Jay Bird” blackened her eye. Whether she was playing ball or sneaking them McDonald’s, she loved her kids unconditionally.

In Montross, she was an active member of her community, enjoying weekly trips into town to chat with friends and get her hair done. She also frequently attended local benefit events; her favorite being the fire department’s annual oyster roast.

Before her passing, Nita traveled to Hawaii to see family and enjoy some much-deserved sunshine. It was here she was able to have sleepovers with her great grandson. She recently attended her great granddaughter’s dance recital, a Covington family reunion, and dinners with family. She enjoyed the early morning sun and seeing her kids together and laughing.

She is proceeded in death by her husband John Marshall Covington, Sr. and grandson Jason Goodman. She is survived by her sons John Marshall Covington, Jr. “Jay” (Bonnie Covington) and Gregory Covington, daughter, Marsha Lynn Goodman (Jess Goodman), brother-in-law Charles Covington, Sr., brother-in law Paul Carey, sister-in-law Margaret Covington, 5 grandchildren Chris Goodman (Melissa Goodman), Ashleigh LaBarge (Andrew LaBarge), Jaime Gleason (Frank Gleason), Kari Covington (Josh Scott), Catlin Giguere (Jonathan Giguere), 4 great grandchildren Connor Goodman, Madison Giguere, Taylor Giguere, Lila LaBarge and numerous other family and friends.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at Demaine Funeral Home located at 10565 Main Street Fairfax, VA 22030 on Saturday, August 7 starting at 9:00 a.m. If desired, family and friends may make memorial contributions to the Capital Caring Adler Center via their website at www.capitalcaring.org.