Gisela Elizabet Katerina Sauerberg Covington Services for Gisela Elizabet Katerina Sauerberg Covington will be held Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 2:00 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Tom Sikes and Dr. Morris Taylor officiating. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Covington, 85 of Meridian, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2010 at her residence. Mrs. Covington was born in Kiel, Germany on March 31, 1924. She attended the University of Berlin studying in a medical program. After World War II, she worked with a U.S. Army doctor in Berlin, Germany, who assisted her in becoming an exchange student in the United States. In September, 1948, she was the first German exchange student to attend the University of Mississippi where she studied a biological program. She married Joe S. Covington of Meridian on January 28, 1950, at the First Baptist Church of Meridian. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with the family. She was raised as a member of the Lutheran Church in Germany, but she and her husband joined the Presbyterian Church in New Orleans in 1953. After moving to Meridian in 1956 they joined the First Presbyterian Church of Meridian. Presently, she is a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Meridian. Mrs. Covington was a member of numerous clubs and organizations for many years in Meridian, including the Junior Auxiliary, Little Fortnightly Literary Club, Northwood Ladies Golf Association, Cub Scout Den Mothers, Crescent Literary Society, and Wednesday Bridge Club. She and her husband returned to Germany many times during their life together. Her last visit was in 2007. She also enjoyed weekly conversations with her life-long friends Lisalotte Czermak of Berlin, Germany; Gabriela Applemann of Neuss, Germany, and others. Survivors include her husband, Dr. Joe S. Covington; sons, Dr. Roger R. Covington and his wife Lesley of Winchester, VA, Stephen A. Covington and his wife Nell of Meridian, Andrew S. Covington and his wife Diana of Meridian; grandchildren, Benn, Anna, Catherine, Wade, Ryan, Callie, Julie and Richard; and nephew, David C. Covington of Meridian. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rudolf and Amanda Sauerberg. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Trinity Presbyterian Church, the Meridian Symphony, or the charity of your choice. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Benn, Wade, Ryan and Richard Covington; George O. Sparks and Henry Eugene Damon. Family and friends may sign online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com. Visitation will be held Wednesday, 12:00-2:00 at the funeral home.
