Margaret Spain Covington

November 27, 1922 - January 15, 2021
Margaret Spain Covington

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Margaret Lee Spain Covington passed away on January 15, 2021 at home surrounded by her family. Margaret was born on November 27, 1922 in Drewryville, Virginia. She was the fourth of 10 children born to Viola and WJ Spain. While she grew up during the depression, her life was rich and filled with love from her family and friends. She told stories of getting fruits and nuts in her Christmas stocking and perhaps a pair of roller skates if her parents could afford it. She also told of snow “sledding” down the creek hill in an old cardboard box and swimming in the creek in the summer with her brothers and sisters and other friends.

After graduating from high school, she moved to Portsmouth Virginia to attend cosmetology school. In 1945 she married John Lewis Covington and they were together for 54 years until his death. Margaret and Lewis lived in Portsmouth and raised their daughter, Deborah there. Margaret was a loving and dedicated wife and mother as well as a successful business owner. For over 40 years, she worked along-side her best friend, Hazel Gholson, and co-owner of their beauty salon. Their salon was one of the most successful and prestigious salons in Portsmouth at the time, serving the leaders of the community and even Virginia’s First Lady. She loved the many friends she made while working at the salon.

After retiring, she and Lewis moved back to their beloved hometown, Drewryville Virginia. They purchased and renovated the old homestead of Viola and WJ. They were active members of the community. Margaret served as a Deacon at Thomas Memorial Baptist Church and spent countless hours in service to the church she loved so dearly. She was also an active member of the Ruritan Club and Drewryville Woman’s Club. Her commitment to her church and community was strong and steadfast.

Her love for her family knew no bounds. She cherished her dear parents and her brothers and sisters who were among her best friends. She adored her many nieces and nephews and they adored her. She also adored her daughter, Deborah and beloved granddaughter, Hope, and her son-in-law, Geoff. She lavished love on all of them and provided strength and guidance with her kind and gentle heart.

She is preceded in death by her parents, 9 brothers and sisters, and her loving husband, Lewis. Surviving are her daughter, Deborah, son-in-law, Geoff Honaker, granddaughter, Hope, and many loving nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren. She will be missed by so many, yet her legacy will live on for generations.

A private graveside service is planned. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Thomas Memorial Baptist Church, PO Box 57, Drewryville, VA 23844.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S.41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099.


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  • January 17, 2021
    Pam Hopkins says:
    Aunt Margaret was a sweet and caring women. I have fond memories of going to visit her in Portsmouth as a child.. then visiting her in Drewyville and sharing her birthday . As he will be missed by her loved ones. My thoughts and prayers with Debra and her family.

  • January 17, 2021
    Lindy says:
    Aunt Margaret you will be missed - many memories from family gatherings to tea parties what wonderful times we enjoyed

  • January 17, 2021
    Jo Gale covington says:
    I am so sorry debra she will be missed she was a nice aunt and mother my My prayers are with you.

  • January 18, 2021
    Robert & Emily Moore says:
    Like everyone who knew Aunt Margaret, we loved her and we will miss her. So many good memories of her! She was a wonderful woman. So grateful for her kindness and generosity! Our condolences to Debbie and all of Margaret's family and friends.

  • January 18, 2021
    Jackie Griffith says:
    Heaven has gained another Angel. Aunt Margaret was a kind soul, as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. She was always so kind to all of us. Rest in Peace Aunt Margaret. You will be missed.