Mrs. Doris Oneatha Clark Preston Covington, peacefully transitioned this life on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at her home in Ansonville, North Carolina.

Born on May 22, 1951, in Anson County, NC, Doris was the beloved daughter of the late James Clark and Mary Pearl Clark McClendon. At an early age, Doris accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and joined Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Ansonville, where her unwavering faith and devotion led her to serve in numerous ministries. She was a founding member of the Pastor’s Aide Committee, a dedicated member of the Usher Board Ministry, Young Adult Choir, Inspirational Choir, and the Kitchen Committee.

Educated in the public schools of Anson County, Doris went on to build a meaningful career working with Meyers Young Manufacturing, Wiscassett Mills Company, Collins and Aikens, and The Lutheran Nursing Home, before retiring.

Doris was united in holy matrimony with Frank Preston, and their union was blessed with six children. She later remarried the late Arthur Covington, with whom she had one son. Doris was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She especially loved spending time with her family, and her passion for baking—especially her cakes—was a source of joy for all who knew her.

Her favorite holidays were Easter and Christmas, which she celebrated with heartfelt enthusiasm and beautiful decorations that lit up her home and yard. She took great pride in her grandchildren and celebrated their accomplishments with joy and encouragement.

She was preceded in death by her husband, the late Arthur Covington; her children, Frank Preston Jr.,Fernando Covington, and Elder Celia Evett Parsons; her parents, James Clark and Mary P. Clark McClendon; and her siblings, Horace Clark, Eddie Clark, Steve Clark, and Jennie Gracie Clark Tyson.

She leaves to cherish her memory:

Two loving daughters: Michelle Diane Diggs (Jose) of Charlotte, NC, and Sirlonia Oneatha Stevens (Tyrone) of Kernersville, NC;

Two devoted sons: Walter Frank Preston of Ansonville, NC and Adrian Demont Preston, who lovingly cared for her at home;

Her treasured 14 grandchildren: Gabrielle Royal (Quentin), J. Emmanuel Diggs, Joshua Diggs, Matthew Diggs, Elijah Diggs, Ebone’ Stevens, Tyrone Stevens Jr., Deon Chapman, Paris Chapman, Shannon Katelyn Wilson, Sierra Preston, Adrian Preston Jr., Jordan Summers, and Lyric Evans;

Two brothers: MacArthur Clark and Jimmy Clark, both of Ansonville, NC; Three sisters: Laura Smith, Minnie Tyson, and Mary Cox, all of Ansonville, NC; One stepsister: Ella Francis Banks of Charlotte, NC; One beloved aunt: Ollie Tyson (William) of Ansonville, NC; Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and cherished friends who will miss her dearly.

Doris’s life was a testament to faith, family, and service. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit will forever remain in our hearts. Her love, laughter, and legacy will continue to live on through all who knew and loved her.

The Services to Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Mrs. Covington will be on Saturday, April 26, 2025, 1:00pm, at the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Ansonville, North Carolina. Interment will follow in the family plot of the church cemetery.

The Family will greet family and friends on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 12:30-1:00pm and at all other times at the family residence.

The public viewing will be on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 2:00-5:00pm.