ESTHER L. COVINGTON, also known as "baby", died on March 22, 2006. Esther was born on November 6, 1934. She was the daughter of Theon Alvin Van Dyke and Elsie Francis Van Dyke. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, her brother, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was loved by many and will always be in our hearts. Mom "back in the day" To Our Dearest Mother: If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane, We would walk right up to heaven and bring you back again. No farewell words were spoken no time to say goodbye, You were gone before we knew it and only God knows why. Our heart still aches in sadness and secret tears still flow, what it meant to lose you no one can ever know. But now we know you want us to mourn for you no more, to remember all the happy times life still has much in store. Since you'll never be forgotten we pledge to you today, a hallowed place within our hearts is where you'll always stay. We love you and miss you Mom. May you rest in peace in the arms of our Lord. Mom cooking and drinking! Esther's Poem - With a smile on her face and confidence in her walk we'd stop on the stairs and grab a moment to talk. Always dressed with style from the hat to the shoe always on the run but never too busy for you. Always taking the time and had helpful advice to give one of the reasons our neighborhood was a friendlier place to live. During the summer when the air was so hot on lawn chairs, under the stilts was our favorite spot. We talked about life and things we had to do we laughed, we joked but there was one thing I knew. If I needed to vent or help in some way Esther would be there any time, any day. Written by friend and neighbor, Tracy Aquino Mom striking a pose and "talking" Dear Mom, God saw you were getting tired and a cure was not to be, So he put his arms around you and whispered, "come to me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best. We know you are at peace now, resting in God's arms. Love you Always, Your Family. Mom - happy on Mother's Day! Mom looking at herself (last picture taken)