LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Jonell Croskery Covington,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay proper tribute
to those individuals of extraordinary character whose lives exemplified
the highest ideals of humanity; and
WHEREAS, Jonell Croskery Covington of Buffalo, New York, died on May
28, 2009, at the age of 74; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 4, 1935, in Montgomery, Alabama, to the late
Dave Croskery and Savannah Gendraw Croskery, Jonell Croskery Covington
was the seventh of ten children, Mary (Jimmy) Smith; Mable (Harrison)
Billups; Ann Cliett; Reverend C.B. (Jahazel) Croskery; Charity (Freddie)
Duff; Chauncey Rogers; Mary Holston and Dot Colvin; she was preceded in
death by her eldest brother Jimmy "Buster" Croskery; and
WHEREAS, Jonell Croskery Covington built her life on the foundation of
biblical principles, which guided her throughout; at an early age, she
accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior, and was baptized at the Oak
Grove Baptist Church and completed her high school studies at Carver
High School, both of which are located in Montgomery, Alabama; and
WHEREAS, Upon moving to Buffalo, New York, Jonell Croskery Covington
joined the Greater Hope Baptist Church, under the late Rev. John H.
Monroe, where she married Wilbert Covington; and
WHEREAS, Committed to caring as well as providing for her family,
Jonell Croskery Covington worked for over 35 years as an employee at
TRICO Products; and
WHEREAS, The mother of eight, Jonell Croskery Covington will be most
remembered for rearing a home filled not only with unwavering love but
with fun and "to the point" wisdom; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her lifetime, Jonell Croskery Covington's priority
was to spend as much time as possible with her children and grandchil-
dren; at home she created an atmosphere of festivity through her big
feasts, game nights and engaging conversations; and
WHEREAS, Jonell Croskery Covington's giving and sharing spirit was a
natural part of her, as were her brightly lit eyes, warm smile, and
energizing laugh; anyone in her presence was compelled to laughter and
joy by her spontaneous and witty jokes; her energy, warmth, good old-
fashioned common sense and mature wisdom will be greatly missed but
never forgotten by all those who knew her; and
WHEREAS, Jonell Croskery Covington is survived by her eight loving
children, Beverly (Charles) Johnson; Curtis (Jeanette) Covington;
Barbara Jean Covington; Wanda (Calvin) Bobian; Dana Rivera; Windy
Covington; Jody Covington; and Melaney (Friday) Agahui; as well as her
15 grandchildren: Curtis Jr.; Christina (Edwin); Cher (Eric); Terrance;
Dennis; Amber; Sierra; Taylor; Jerry; Arthur; Kayla; Kelsey; Kennedy;
Drew; and Lauren; and eight great-grandchildren: Zuleyka; Sabrina;
Simone; Tahj; Cristian; Nasir; Channing; and Eric Jr.; she is also
survived by her eight siblings; a sister-in-law, Alma Croskery; two
aunts, Leonora Croskery and Sue Gendraw; the family of the late Joseph
Moore; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Jonell Croskery Covington
leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and
will remain as a comforting memory to all she served and befriended;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Jonell Croskery Covington, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of her community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Jonell Croskery Covington.