Obituary of Orlando G. Covington, Sr.

Orlando G. Covington, Sr. was born on January 26, 1936 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the ninth child of eleven children born to the late James Presley and Marie Covington. In the mid 1940's, the family relocated to West Atco, New Jersey where he remained a resident for the majority of his life. Garfield, affectionately known by his family and friends, attended Batesmill Elementary School and in 1955 graduated from the Lower Camden County Regional High School (Overbrook Junior High), Lindenwold, NJ. While in high school, he participated in various sports. He excelled in wrestling and at one point in his wrestling career became the NJ State Wrestling Champion. Shortly after graduating from high school, Garfield enlisted in the United States Air Force where he received an Honorable Discharge in 1959. After serving four years in the Air Force, he returned home and was employed by various companies such as Robert's Block Company, Berlin, NJ; Ms. Paul's, Braddock, NJ; Ancora Hospital, Blue Anchor, NJ; Sherwin Williams Paint Company, Gibbsboro, NJ and Owens Corning, Berlin, NJ, where he took an early retirement. In 1966, Garfield met and later married Anna Mae Self. Their union brought forth three children, Orlando Garfield Jr. "Beaver", Yevette Marchelle "Vettie" and Edwin Presley "Bo". For forty five years Garfield and Anna were devoted, nurturing and protective parents. Garfield loved the Lord and was an advent reader of the Bible. He memorized the word of God and could qoute numerous scriptures effortlessly. Garfield was a humble man and believed in speaking his mind without cursing or shouting. He was passive, yet poignant about his beliefs on religion and life. Garfield was a model brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was the king of his side of the couch and managed to make a permanent imprint in every sofa that they purchased. Garfield was an advocate and a follower of many political campaigns and issues. He was often found watching CNN or other news channels. He believed in keeping his mind and wits sharp by playing checkers and chess, and to this day he is still undefeated. Garfield was a diehard Eagle fan. His favorite player was #5 Donovan McNabb. During game time, the house rules were: no Lifetime movies for Anna, no talking and stay clear of the T.V. He enjoyed fixing things around the house, manicuring his yard, working on crossword puzzels and tinkering with cars. His favorite store was Home Depot. Garfield was blessed with six grandchildren: Adonai, Sharae, Orlando III "BJ", Leigha, Lauryn and Lyla. They fondly referred to him as "Pops". He was a dedicated grandfather who loved listening about their day, celebrating their successes and encouraging them to do their best. He loved to watch Spongebob Square Pants and the Discovery channel with them. Garfield also loved to challenge their minds in history, math and science. He was their biggest cheerleader. In the later part of his life, his eyesight began to fail. Though he was unable to participate in many things he enjoyed, Garfield loved to dictate and supervise. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers; James, John, Clarence and Milton. After 75 years of making us laugh, bringing us joy and sharing his love, Garfield accepted God's call to be absent from the body and be present with the Lord on Monday, July 4, 2011. Along with fondly cherished memories, Garfield leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Anna M. Covington, nee Self; his children, Orlando Jr., Yevette and Edwin; his daughters-in-law and son-in-law, Laurie, Marcia and Adonis; his six grandchildren, Adonai, Sharae, Orlando III, Leigha, Lauryn and Lyla. He is also survived by his goddaughter, Kaylan Shambry; his mother-in-law, Dollie Mae Self of W. Berlin; one brother, Kenneth Covington; five sisters, Dorothy Beeks-Ellison, Elizabeth Wanzer, Mildred Collier, Alberta Covington and Augustine Dickerson; and a host of nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; great great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.