Mrs. Alberta Covington, formerly of the Newhallville neighborhood of New Haven, CT, celebrated her 100th birthday on February 28, 2021.
Mrs. Covington was born on February 28, 1921 to Ed and Annie Bell McIntyre Parks in Goldsboro, North Carolina. She graduated from Dillard High School in Goldsboro one year early in 1938. She dreamed of becoming a nurse and was to begin nursing school upon graduation. She chose to wed instead. On December 28, 1939, she married Jeremiah Covington.
In 1943, the young couple and their two children left North Carolina. Like many other southerners who left the south during the Great Migration, Mrs. Covington and her family moved to Connecticut and settled in New Haven. Although she would never have the opportunity to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse, Mrs. Covington was fiercely devoted to her family, raising seven children and supporting her husband, the late Bishop Jeremiah Covington, in his role as pastor of Mount Hope Temple Church, located in New Haven. Today, her family has grown to include 21 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren.
Mrs. Covington resided in Newhallville for more than 50 years. She lived on Shelton Avenue from 1955 to 1973 and on Highland Street from 1973 to 2006. She was known as a pillar of strength in her family, in her church, and in the community at large.
Mrs. Covington has been a Mother of Mount Hope Temple for many years and is lovingly referred to as Queen Mother Covington. She has always been a quiet woman with a gentle spirit and a warm smile. Many women, both young and old, sought her out for her wisdom. Over the years, she no doubt held back her own tears, frustrations, and dreams for the benefit of her family and the growth of the local church.
Mrs. Covington has held the following positions of leadership:
- Associate Minister of Mount Hope Temple
- President of the Foreign Missionary Department
- Teacher of the Bible Church School
- Vice President of the New England District Missionary Department
- Assistant Financial Secretary of the New England District
- Instructor of the United Christian Institute, Connecticut Extension
Article submitted by the family of Mrs. Alberta Covington.
