Joyce Cox Covington

2 Corinthians 5: 1 says “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

On Sunday, January 16, 2022, Joyce Cox Covington truly experienced the ultimate revelation of this verse as she slipped from her earthly body into the loving arms of her faithful and loving Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was escorted by Him into the awestruck beauty and grandeur of her Heavenly Home!

Joyce was born to the late Rev. Jim Cox and Mrs. Lorene Cox, on September 9, 1931, in her hometown of Meridian, Mississippi. Observing God’s handiwork in nature was one of her most favorite things to do and even as a young child, she would often go exploring among the sandy hills surrounding her home.

In 1953, Joyce married the love of her life, Bobby Covington, who, also, was born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi. The two shared over 68 wonderful years together and were each other’s best friend! Joyce gave birth to their two daughters, Joye Lynn Covington Thompson (Tony) and Caroline Covington Harvey (Rick). She embraced and celebrated her roles as a wife, mother, homemaker and later grandmother to four grandsons, Bobby Thompson (Natalee), Joel Thompson, Christopher Harvey and Joshua Harvey, delighting in every detail and doing all with such love, elegance and grace!

During the day while her girls were in school, Joyce pursued a College degree and later graduated with a major in Art and a minor in Bible which she later enjoyed teaching to junior high and high school students for several years. She, also, went back to college and graduated with a Masters in Community Counseling.

Over the years, the family lived in several cities in Mississippi, including Meridian, Jackson, Clinton, Madison and Ridgeland.  Wherever Joyce lived, she invested so much of her time, talents and ability into her local church and community, volunteering and serving in many aspects, especially in leadership. For years Joyce served in many leadership positions for the Auxiliary of the Gideons International, including Mississippi State Chaplain and local Auxiliary President.

She was an avid member of various community clubs, some of which included the Garden Club, the Music Club, the Heritage Club and the DAR. In 1986 she was awarded, “Club Woman of the Year.”

Joyce loved the Lord and devoted her life to living for Him, giving freely to others of His compassion and grace. Her heart’s desire for others to know His love and grow in the wisdom and power of His Holy Spirit led her to minister to women as a Sunday School teacher and to travel abroad teaching and ministering to various groups. She also led a women’s bible study in her home for several wonderful years, bringing such honor and glory to God while creating precious memories and lifetime friendships.

Singing came natural for Joyce. The Lord used her anointed voice to bless so many throughout the years. She loved singing in her church choir, singing solos and was often asked to sing for many local, state and international meetings, conventions and services.

When Joyce became a grandmother, life became sweeter! She adored her grandsons and invested so much love into all of their lives! She loved having fun with them and laughing! Together they enjoyed walks to the lake to feed the ducks, jumping in mud puddles, dressing up, acting silly, craving pumpkins, baking, decorating for holidays and so much more! Her jovial spirit, happy smile and funny ways are cherished by all those who knew her! Joyce knew the art of making others laugh and laugh they did! What an endearing part of who she was!

In 2003, Joyce and Bobby built a home in Macon, Georgia, next door to their daughter, Caroline and her family. They happily and quickly jumped right in, participating wholeheartedly in all aspects of their grandsons’ lives, loving every moment!

Not long after settling down in Georgia, Bobby and Joyce helped start a Bible study which was held in their warm, beautiful and inviting home every Tuesday night for over 10 years! Joyce was always a gracious and loving host and led in several aspects.

What a cherished blessing it was for Bobby and Joyce to witness the lives of many undergo amazing spiritual transformations through the power of the Holy Spirit!

Whatever Joyce put her hand to, she did it with such excellence! Her sweet and able hands accomplished so much throughout her life, bringing those around her such peace, joy and gratitude!

She lived her whole life enthralled by the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. Joyce was always captivated by a beautiful flower garden and found such solace there! Time spent gardening was also time spent listening to and talking with the Lord.

Her homes were always surrounded by gorgeous flowers in an array of breathtaking color and fragrances from which she made lovely arrangements that she would sprinkle throughout her home and would often gift them to others.

Joyce loved cross-stitching and every unique piece was truly a work of art, so much so, that several of her pieces won ribbons. She spent untold hours, days and months meticulously creating each piece with such love and care and when completed, many were gifted to family members and friends. Joyce also found great joy in crocheting. She lovingly crocheted many blankets and afghans and gave them to many whom she held dear!

Joyce’s deep relationship with the Lord and depth of Godly wisdom found expression through her teachings, short stories and poetry. Oh, how she loved Him and reveled with awestruck wonder at His perfect love for her!

Drawing and painting always delighted her heart and brought her so much happiness!

What an amazing lady Joyce was and is still, gifted with such grace and beauty! She is loved by so many and her life and presence on this earth will continue to bear good fruit for the Kingdom of God, bringing Him honor and glory for all eternity… Praise God!

Joyce is survived by her husband, Bobby Covington; daughters, Joye Lynn Covington Thompson (Tony), and Caroline Covington Harvey (Rick); grandchildren, Bobby Thompson (Natalee), Joel Thompson, Christopher Harvey and Joshua Harvey; sister, Cordie Cox Asher; nieces and nephews, Keith Koons, Cindy Koons Stein (Tommy), and Eddie Koons (Lea).

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at Hart’s at the Cupola, with visitation beginning one hour before, at 1:00 p.m. with graveside service immediately following at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorial bibles may be given in honor of Joyce Cox Covington by going to https://www.sendtheword.org

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements