Ruth S. Covington

Ruth Schilleci Covington died peacefully at home on 11/20/17. She survived her husband and the love of her life, Joseph F. Covington, Sr. She is survived by 6 children: Joseph F. Covington, Jr. (Cathy); Richard A. Covington (Susan); Paul S. Covington (Anita); Mary Ruth C. Williamson (Tommy); Nancy C. Hughes; Jerome D. Covington (Jenny). She is survived by 15 grandchildren: Joseph F. Covington, III; Emily C. Truitt (Rustin); Richard A. Covington, Jr.; Bradley J. Covington; Angela C. Rogers (Andy); Steven P. Covington; Andrew F. Covington (Alexis); Philip D. Covington; Mark L. Williamson (Laura); Natalie M. Hughes; Timothy R. Hughes (Kristina); Katie C. Smith (Edward); Jake J. Covington; Karly Tyson; Ryan Tyson. She is survived by 9 great-grandchildren. Her brother, Joseph P. Schilleci, Sr. (Nina) predeceased her. She is survived by her niece, Teresa S. Harpman (Allen), and her nephew, Joseph P. Schilleci, Jr. (Tina), and their families. She also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews of her late husband and their families. And: She is survived by her parrot of 27 years, Poncho. She was known as "Mama," "Mom," "MawMaw," "Aunt Ruth," "Mama Ruth," and "Mama Cov." Her daughters say she is their hero. Her daughters-in-law say she is their role model. Her sons and son-in-law don't say much. They show up --- and that says it all. Her grandchildren say she has meant the world to them. She made a difference in the lives of many people, not just her family. That is unusual for anyone. It certainly is unusual for someone to make a difference in a life role that is "ordinary" and her life role was just that – ordinary. The family extends the deepest gratitude to Emma Baltimore, Gaynell Black, Jennifer Murphy, and all the other caregivers from Helping Hands. Southern Heritage Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Services will be held on Friday, November 24, 2017, at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, with the Visitation and Rosary at 12:30 and the Funeral Mass at 1:30. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, or Alzheimer's of Central Alabama, Birmingham, AL.