Willie Coverson

On March 21, 1948, in Pine Mountain, Georgia, Willie Addis Coverson was born to the late Ossie Lee and Willie Dorsey Coverson of Chipley, Georgia. As the eighth of sixteenchildren and the second of eight boys, Willie grew up surrounded by family, strength,and resilience---qualities that would define his life.

Willie was preceeded in death by his parents, Ossie Lee and Willie Dorsey. His only son Anthony B. Coverson, six sisters Mary Alice Walker, Bessie Lee Little, Ruby Kate Crowder, Shirley Coverson, Mildred Huling, Betty Jean Coverson and six brothers Charlie Coverson, Roger Coverson, Curtis Coverson, William Henry Coverson, Joseph Coverson, and Edward Coverson.

At the age of nine, Willie went to live with his beloved sister, Mary Alice Walker, and her husband, Clarence Walker. They saw something special in him---a brightness, a determination, and a heart full of promise. He was a strong student and an honor roll achiever, but at just twelve years old, he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.Doctors warned that the disease would affect his entire body. Willie made a decisionearly on: he would not let arthritis defeat him. He pushed himself, strengthened his legs with weights, and carried a mindset that would shape the rest of his life---perseverance over pity, faith over fear.

During his senior year of high school, Willie met the love of his life, Alfreda Waller of Hamilton, Georgia. Their love story blossomed, and in October 1970, Willie and Alfreda were united in marriage. Together they built not only a home but a life grounded in hard work and devotion.

Willie continued his education at Columbus Technical College, studying brick masonry—a trade he practiced with pride. He worked tirelessly in this field for 52 years while tirelessly keeping a second job at either Milliken, or Callaway Gardens Inn, and during the winter months at Cagle’s Chicken plant. No job was beneath him if it meant providing for his family. He purchased a brand-new trailer for his young family and later built a home with his own hands---a true reflection of his role as a provider and protector.

He was overjoyed to welcome his son in 1971 and his daughter in 1974. Anthony & Shameka. Fatherhood was one of his greatest honors. Through life’s hardships, Willie never gave up. Even when times were tight, his family always had food on the table,clothes on their backs, and a roof over their heads. To him, the struggle was worth it.

Willie was blessed to see his children grow into adulthood and became a proud grandfather of two grandsons, and two great grandkids. He was known as encouraging,supportive, strong, and steady---a man whose presence brought reassurance. Above all,Willie was a God-fearing, law-abiding man whose faith carried him through every season of life.

Willie’s life is a testimony of resilience, devotion, and quiet strength. His legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply and in the many lives he inspired by simply refusing to give up. He fought a hard battle with strength and courage until his body could fight no more.A job well done Willie Addis Coverson

He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his devoted wife Alfreda affectionally known as “My Darling” his daughter Shameka (Damion) Weaver of Fairburn, Georgia;two grandsons JaCory (Kimberly) Coverson, JaQuavious Coverson; two great grandkids India Coverson, Anthony Coverson II. Two sisters Louise Murphy, Myra Hill and one brother Roy (Kathleen) Coverson. Best Friend and Business Partner Eric McGhee. Willie has four nieces who have been instrumental in assisting with his care and have been amazing supports by consistently being by his side. Carolyn Parks, Angela Terry,Vanessa Murphy, and Kimberly Thompson, along with a host of other nieces and nephews and friends. Johnathan Dunlap, Ketara Dunlap, Kokethia Dunlap.

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