Margaret Rose Thompson Covington was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on May 20, 1931. She is the daughter of the late Andrew and Adele Thompson.  The third of eight siblings, she was both "Daddy's Baby" and a complete "Mama's Girl".

She was educated in the Forsyth County School System, a graduate of Atkins High, where her experiences as a student cultivated a passion for teaching.  She went on to graduate from Winston Salem Teachers College, now called Winston Salem State University (WSSU), where she was well known for her stylish dress, her passion for literature and an incredible ability to recite endless poems from recall – an ability that did not diminish with age.  Her passion for the arts was evident in her involvement in plays, musicals and other school productions.  It was while attending WSSU where she caught the eye of a football player from St. Louis, MO – her husband of 62 years, James "Catfish" Covington.  He declared, "Hey girl, I've got eyes for you", and the rest is history.

After college, Margaret and James were married at her home, with her beloved sister Merri Louise as her maid of honor.  Margaret and James then moved to St. Louis, MO where they began their lives together, worked and started a family.  She is the mother of Kendel, Corey and Kellie Covington who will miss her terribly.  Those that know Margaret would agree that she was born to be a mother and born to be a teacher; she excelled at both.  An award-winning teacher in the St. Louis Public School System for over 30 years, she earned a Master's Degree in Special Education from Webster University in St. Louis, graduating with distinction.  Demonstrating her loyalty and commitment to her craft, she taught at the same school for her entire career, Columbia Middle School.  This afforded her the unique opportunity to influence multiple generations of children with her outpouring of love and standards of excellence.  She continued to receive calls, letters and FaceBook messages from a number of students until her passing.

After retiring, Margaret and James returned to Winston Salem, a move which brought her immense joy and an opportunity to reconnect and create new memories with her large extended family.  Holiday dinners, birthday celebrations, family vacations, and picnics were among her favorite activities – There was no such thing as too much noise, laughter, love … or Pepsi.

She was baptized and added to the Church of Christ, along with her husband and children, and is a former Sunday school teacher.   Ever the elegant lady, she was known for her soprano voice, sense of humor, beautiful finger nails, and the personal notes of encouragement that she included in cards.

Margaret passed away unexpectedly at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital following complications from emergency surgery.

She was preceded in death by siblings, Andrew, Frederick, and Edith Ann Thompson; and beloved cousin, Juanita Latten.

She is survived by her faithful and loving husband, James Covington; children, Kendel, Corey and Kellie Covington; dear daughter-in-law, Leah Davis Covington; grandchildren, Loroy, Nichole, Christean, Kendyll, Corey James, and Cameron Covington; two great-grandchildren;  siblings, Melvina Spencer, Elliott and Edward Thompson, and Merri Louise (Rudy) Wiggins; nieces, Beverly Murrell (Tim), Vernetta Thompson, Mia Brewington, Myra Maynard (Brent), and Dana Wiggins; nephew, Anthony Thompson; great-nephews, Ricky and Michael Simington, her Godchild; and numerous cousins, notably Martha Jean Brimage and her family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Carver Road Church of Christ with Rev. Cloys Cecil officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 10:00am until 11:00am on Saturday at the Church.