Shirley Annette Covington

Shirley was born on Sept 6 or 7th (she liked having two birthdays) in Payneville, KY, to Homer and Idell Bruner, the youngest of six children; she graduated from Meade County High School in 1957.

She caught the eye of a handsome Navy man who talked her into marrying him, embarking on numerous adventures as they moved from Kentucky to California, Maine to Mississippi, with many other stops in between, ultimately settling in Florida. Along the way, they welcomed three children and cherished family vacations and camping trips.

She was a strong and caring Navy wife and mother. During this time she worked in a variety of positions: government, financial institutions and healthcare services. She wrangled three kids during multiple deployments and with her quick wit and creativity kept them from coming to too much harm. She was a devout Catholic and longtime parishioner at St. Luke’s Catholic Church. Her family and her dogs were her greatest loves.

Shirley is survived by her children Tim (Sonja) Covington, Anna (Robert) Oliphant and Yvonne ( Rolando) Palomo; grandchildren, Tim Lyons, Hannah Palomo, Kyle Oliphant, Stephen (Kendra) Oliphant, and Kele Covington; great grandchildren Mikayla and Tiernan Lyons; her brother, Bennie Bruner; and many nieces, nephew, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Covington and granddaughter Caylee Covington.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes for donations in Shirley's memory be made to a cancer research organization or humane society of your choice.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke's Catholic Church, 1606 Blanding Blvd, Middleburg, FL 32068, reception to follow. She will be laid to rest at 2:30 pm with her beloved husband of 31 years, MCPO Robert Covington at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd., Jacksonville, Fl 32218.