Obituary of Orlando G Covington, Jr

Orlando Garfield Covington, Jr, was born on October 15th, 1967, in Stratford, New Jersey. He was the oldest son of three children born to (late) Orlando G., Sr., and Anna M. Covington. Affectionately known as Beaver, he was a native of West Atco, New Jersey. As a child, he enjoyed hanging out with his friends, participating in neighborhood pick-up games and drawing. His dream of being a funeral director was sparked at an early age, when he, and his cousin Robert “Bobby Boot”, were given the opportunity to ride in the hearse of Carl Miller’s Funeral Home, on the way to the cemetery of his grandmother’s burial. He attended Winslow Township School #1, Edgewood Junior High School (Winslow Township Middle School) and Edgewood Regional High School (Winslow Township High School). Though he was a good student, he excelled in trade subjects and sports. He was a member of the Edgewood Track Team. His favorite event was the 4x4 and 100-meter hurdles. On the heels of graduating high school in 1986, Orlando attended the Philadelphia Institute of Art and Design, Philadelphia, PA., where he majored in Architectural Design. After college, he moved to St. Croix, Virgin Islands and worked as an architect. He eventually became an architectural entrepreneur specializing in blueprints and interior design. When Hurricane Irene destroyed his business in 1995, he relocated to New Jersey for a fresh start. While working various jobs, his ember grew to a flame. He decided to pursue his childhood dream and become a funeral director. In 1996, he attended Mercer County Community College, West Windsor, New Jersey. Prior to attending college, he met and later married in 2003, the love of his life Laurie Pliner. Their union brought forth one son, Orlando G., III, affectionately known as “BJ”. In 1999, Orlando graduated from Mercer County Community College, where he earned an Associate Degree in Business, an Associate Degree in Applied Science, and a Certificate of Proficiency of Funeral Service. While in college, he applied to many funeral homes for a position. He accredits his start to Carolyn W. Greenidge, owner, of Greenidge Funeral Home, Inc. of Atlantic City, New Jersey. At this establishment, he served his apprenticeship. Once he obtained his New Jersey Funeral Director’s License in March 2000, he was promoted to a director. His flame intensified. Orlando then became the manager of Tunsil Funeral Home, Palmyra, New Jersey from February 2006 until April 2009. During that time, he also obtained his Pennsylvania Funeral Director's License in August 2007. This was a proud moment because he was able to service families in two states. Orlando’s dream manifested itself into a ministry. His work was impeccable. While exhibiting the traditions that were instilled in him by his many mentors, such as Thomas Jennings, Johnnie Palmer and Joe Beaman, his craftmanship and signature preparation cemented his reputation as an astounding mortician. His flame burned bright, and his dream magnified. He saw that becoming a founder would allow him to make a greater impact in his community. Covington Funeral Home was founded in May 2009. His mission was to provide a high level of service and compassionate care to grieving families. While easing the burden of bereaved loved ones, he wanted a facility that would provide an opportunity to say farewell in the most dignified manner. Most of all he wanted the Covington name to be synonymous with dignity, respect, and morals. All values that his parents instilled in him. His poise, calming demeanor, and professionalism during a family’s worst time, forged him the reputation of being an excellent mortician; the ministry eased their hearts. While balancing being the founder and CEO of his own funeral home, he gave apprenticeships to aspiring morticians, provided part-time jobs for those in need and he poured back into his community. During his 25 years of providing excellent, impeccable service to South Jersey and the surrounding areas, he served on different committees. He was the President of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association (2015 – 2016) and New Jersey NFDA Policy Board Representative; President of West Jersey Funeral Directors Association (2009 - 2011); member of the National Funeral Directors Association; member of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Inc.; member of Garden State Funeral Directors Association; President of Sigma Phi Sigma, NJ Chapter; lifetime member of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. He was also a member of St. John's United Methodist Church, West Berlin, New Jersey and a member of Hiram Lodge #5, F & AM, Pha., Lawnside, New Jersey. During his leisure time, he and his son attended karate classes at the West Atco Dojo. He practiced his violin and enjoyed collecting other string instruments. Orlando enjoyed fishing and working on his exotic fish tank. He also took annual trips with his wife, Laurie to Jamaica to celebrate their anniversary. After 56 years of making us laugh, bringing us joy, serving his community, and building a legacy, God called his faithful servant home. On May 4, 2024, he transitioned with his family by his side and joined his father Orlando G. Covington, Sr., his paternal and maternal grandparents, his god-mother Elizabeth Wanzer, his cherished cousin, Robert “Bobby Boot” Covington, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Along with fondly cherished memories, Orlando leaves behind his loving and devoted wife, Laurie Covington, his son Orlando G. Covington, III(“BJ”); his adored mother, Anna Covington; his in-laws Gerald and Judith Pliner; his sister Yevette Cuffee, his brother Edwin Covington; his brother-in-law Adonis Cuffee and his sister-in- laws Pam Pliner and Marcia Covington. He also leaves behind his godson and nephew Adonai Cuffee and nieces Leigha King, Lauryn Taylor, Sharae Cuffee and Lyla Covington. He is survived by his aunts Betty Murray (Elwood), JoAnne Butler (George), Otelia Wilson (Richard), Mamie Brown (Roger), Faye Scott (Kenny). He is also survived by an infinite number of maternal and paternal cousins, dear friends, and the community of West Atco. We will all miss him dearly. And even so, Orlando’s dream remains remnant. Covington Funeral Home is an independent, African American owned facility conveniently located in Atco, NJ. It has a combined staff that has over 50 years of experience in funeral service. His facility prides itself in giving compassionate and sincere service to grieving families and will continue to do so for decades to come. In the immortal words of Orlando G. Covington Jr., “So as this chapter of my life prepares to end, I cannot forget the path that was paved for me or the sacrifices that were made. I remember more than 20 years ago, when I came into the funeral service profession, my father stated, ‘I don’t know son, this funeral thing may take you places where you have never been or dreamed of, but I don’t have any advice except, enjoy your journey’”. If Orlando were here right now, he’d say, “Thanks dad, I did”. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: West Atco Youth In Action. westatcoyia.com P.O. Box 116 West Atco, New Jersey 08004 Lovingly submitted by the family.