Sadie Covington McIvery

Mrs. Sadie Covington McIvery, 98, of Southern Pines, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at her residence.

Sister Sadie Helen Covington McIvery was born to the late Albert and Carrie Covington on May 27, 1925, in Lee County, North Carolina. She departed her eternal life on August 8, 2023, in Moore County, North Carolina.

At an early age, Sister McIvery accepted Christ and became a member of Jones Chapel Church under the care of Reverend Ward, now Wards Memorial Church. Sister McIvery was an active member and a great singer. She sang on the Sunlight Gospel Choir and started the Children of Israel and Jubilees Gospel Choirs. She was very committed to all of the choirs. Sister McIvery later moved to Southern Pines, North Carolina, and became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Later, she became a St. Matthews Chapel Free Will Baptist Church member in the Eastwood Community of West End, North Carolina.

Sister McIvery was well known for her sweet potato pies. She loved fishing and listening to the Sunday morning radio broadcast on WEEB with her son Lewis Toomer playing the keyboard. Sister McIvery was known for one of her favorite songs, “This Old Building Keeps On Leaning.” Always dressing to impress on Sundays, Sister McIvery was a classy lady; she loved to wear hats.

Sister McIvery was adored and loved by all who knew her. She had such a humble spirit. She will be remembered as that singing lady with a powerful voice and a person that kept it real; her personality lit up the room. Sister McIvery sang many songs but loved singing “May the Work I’ve Done, Speak for Me.” She not only loved God, but she loved all of God’s people. You could never leave Sister McIvery’s house hungry; she loved to cook. She would cook pinto beans, cornbread, and collard greens, to name a few.

Sister McIvery was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy McIvery; her oldest son, James Toomer; her daughter, Mary Toomer Raines; her sister, Fannie Douglas; her brothers, Charles, and Lewis Covington; and her sister Lula Judd.

Sister McIvery leaves fond memories to cherish, her daughter, Carolyn Covington Terry of Southern Pines, North Carolina; her son, Lewis Toomer of Southern Pines; a step-son, Jessie McIvery (Tina) of Charlotte, North Carolina; her twin brothers, Hubert Covington (Beulah) and Herbert Covington of Hartford, Connecticut; a sister, Mary Frances Quick (James) of Maryland; a  goddaughter, whom she chose, Gloria Brown Miller of Sanford, North Carolina; six generations with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren; the second generation of great, great, great-grandchildren, at least forty-four; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

All will definitely miss Sister McIvery’s smile, presence, and spirit.

Please keep the family and friends of Mrs. Sadie Covington McIvery in your thoughts and prayers. 

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Southern Pines, North Carolina.

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