John Ellis Covington, 80, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2008 at his residence after a 6 month battle with cancer.

The funeral service was held in the Sanctuary of Crystal Springs United Methodist Church, Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. Graveside services was held at 2 p.m. at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson.

Mr. Covington was born July 28, 1927 in Belzoni. He is preceded in death by his parents Harold Ellis and Loreen McCaleb Covington. He graduated from Marion Military Institute. After attending Millsaps College and Mississippi State University John joined the family business, Mississippi Cottonseed Products Company. This family business grew to include cottonseed oil mills all over Mississippi with two subsidiaries in Sikeston and Kennett. After working for the Oil Mill in Kosciusko, Miss. for 12 years, in 1976 Mr. Covington moved to Kennett, to serve as President of the Missouri subsidiaries. He retired after devoting 35 years to this family business. He then moved to Crystal Springs and became the branch manager for Copiah Bank there. John served on the Board of Directors of Copiah Bank for 38 years, which was founded by his great-grandfather as the Bank of Hazlehurst. Mr. Covington served his country in the United States Coast Guard during World War II.

He was an active member of the Crystal Springs United Methodist Church which he dearly loved. He served as chairman of finance there for many years. He was also an active member of the Crystal Springs Lions‚ Club and treasurer of the Copiah County Republican Party. He recently received a life time achievement award in recognition of his many years of outstanding service to the community from the Crystal Springs Chamber of Commerce.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, MaryAnn Ponder Covington of Crystal Springs; two daughters, Eleanor Ray and husband Mike of Charleston, Miss., Carolyn Loftin and husband James of Winter Springs, Fla. Six grandchildren, Michael Ray, Kate Buchanan and husband John, John Ellis Ray, Ashley Gilland and husband Doug, Jonathan Loftin, Mary Eleanor Loftin Two great-grandchildren, George Ellis Gilland and Mary McCaleb Ragan Gilland. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Covington Branton of Memphis and a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Memorials may be made to Crystal Springs United Methodist Church for the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ.