Georgia E. Covington

Georgia Eleanor Covington was born on November 23, 1941, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the union of Rev. I. H. Henderson, Jr. and Ophelia B. Henderson, both of whom preceded her in death. She was the eldest of their children. On June 28, 2026, Georgia peacefully departed this life at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Georgia received her early education in the Kansas City Public School District and graduated from Central High School in Kansas City, Missouri. During her high school years, she and her sister, Ms. Ruth F. Henderson, studied at the University Of Kansas City Conservatory of Music, where they developed their lifelong passion for music. Following high school, Georgia attended Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts in Education.

Georgia was united in marriage to William E. Atkins, and from this union they were blessed with one daughter, Rev. Schlyon T. Atkins. She later married Aaron Covington. Both William E. Atkins and Aaron Covington preceded her in death.

Georgia began her career as an educator with the Nashville Public School District. After returning to the Kansas City area to care for her mother, she joined the Kansas City, Missouri Public School District in 1977. She faithfully served the district for twenty years before retiring in 1997, leaving a legacy of dedication, compassion, and excellence in education.

At the age of five, Georgia united with Friendship Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful and devoted member for the rest of her life. Throughout her years of service, she participated in numerous ministries, including the Baptist Training Union, Cheerful Helpers, Christian Education Ministry, Culinary Ministry, Summer Camp, Sunday School, Youth Fellowship and Counselors, the Deborah-Darcas Circle of the Women's Missionary Union, the Senior Adult Ministry as both Ministry Leader and Team Member, and the Music Ministry, where she faithfully served as musician, choir director, and musical leader. For decades, Georgia often directed songs and accompanied Friendship Sings. She founded the Voices of Praise Choir at Friendship Baptist Church on 43rd and Montgall. She believed deeply in preserving the rich heritage of church music, especially hymns and anthems, and was passionate about teaching choir members to read music and confidently sing their individual parts. Through her ministry, she inspired generations of musicians and worshippers to use their gifts for the glory of God. She remained active in District, State, and National Baptist Association meetings until declining health limited her participation. In 2024, Friendship Baptist Church, together with family and friends, celebrated Georgia's extraordinary seventy years of faithful musical leadership and ministry.

Georgia's life was a beautiful testimony of unwavering faith, servant leadership, and steadfast devotion to God, her family, her church, her students, and her community. She was a gifted seamstress who found great joy in sewing and creating beautiful garments. She dearly loved her fur babies and cherished the companionship they brought into her life. Georgia possessed a quiet servant's heart, often helping others without seeking recognition or ever speaking of her acts of kindness. Her love for sacred music was evident in every aspect of her life. Whether directing a choir, or accompanying worship, she believed that excellence in music ministry was an offering to the Lord. While she treasured each of these passions, they all flowed from what mattered most to her: her unwavering love for Jesus Christ. One of her favorite hymns asked the question, "If it had not been for the Lord on my side, where would I be?" Those words reflected the faith by which she lived each day and the testimony she leaves behind.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted daughter, Rev. Schlyon T. Atkins, of the home; her beloved sister, Ms. Ruth F. Henderson of Dallas, Texas; her bonus children, Dr. Stephanie E. Berry (Michael), of St. Charles, Missouri, Theresa A. Smith of Cerritos, California, and Amber Goudeau-Garrett of Kansas City, Missouri; her bonus grandchildren, Michaela, Dorion, Aaron, and Aria; her bonus brother, Rev. B.G. Roberson of Kansas City, Missouri; and a host of other loved ones, church family, and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.