Elvira Covey

Elvira Mae Warner Covey attended The Ohio State University, where she met Dick, the love of her life. After their first date, she went home and burned her diary—along with stories of past boyfriends—clearly sensing her future had changed.

Dad was performing in a play at the Wesley Foundation on the OSU campus, and Mom served as his makeup artist. Her brother Bob warned her not to date “such an old man,” but she ignored him—and the two would go onto share 72 happy years together.They were married on March 24, 1952, and soon welcomed three children in quick succession. Although they hoped for more, it was not to be; mom’s doctor later told them she should never have been able to become pregnant at all. Mom and Dad took this as a sign that God and children should hold a central place in their lives, and faith remained a guiding force throughout their marriage.

Mom was the quintessential wife and mother of the 1950s and 1960s. She stayed at home and had dinner on the table every evening when Dad returned from work. She poured her energy into countless activities—ceramics, gardening, serving as a Cub Scout den mother, entertaining, acting as room mother at school, and participating actively in church life.

Together, Mom and Dad became enthusiastic do-it-yourselfers. They wallpapered, painted, landscaped, and laid floors and tile in their own home, then generously volunteered those skills to support any nonprofit organizations in their community.

Elvira was born on December 13, 1932, in Osborne, Ohio, and grew up in Xenia, Ohio. Raised in a large extended family, she was surrounded by uncles, aunts, and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband of 72 years, Richard Lee Covey, Sr., and her brothers, David and Robert.

When their children reached their teenage years, Mom and Dad encouraged them to join the church youth group, which at the time was struggling. Stepping in to help, they revitalized it, and soon the church had a large, active youth program. The group undertook many service projects—an innovative idea at the time—and many of those young people later pursued service-oriented careers, crediting Elvira and Dick as important role models in their lives. When Dad retired in 1986, they spent their summers at the family cottage on Lake Erie. When their grandchildren were just a few years old, Mom and Dad began taking them along each summer while both parents were working. This tradition continued through the grandchildren’s high school years and earned them the Best Grandparents Ever Award.

Elvira will be remembered for her faith, generosity, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. A memorial service is planned for March 28 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville; the time will be announced at a later date.

If you would like to make a donation in her memory, please consider community Hospice in Jacksonville. To honor Elvira’s legacy; lend a helping hand, chat with a neighbor, mentor someone in need, or perform a random act of kindness