Arlena "Neicey" Turner Covington

Arlena “Neicey” Turner Covington, 97, went to her heavenly home on Monday, May 27, 2024. She was born to James Harvey Turner and Myrtle Ardean Vincent of Hickory Plains, Arkansas, on May 16, 1927.

Neicey dropped out of high school her senior year to work at the ammunition plant in Jacksonville, Arkansas, during World War II. After a year, she went back to school to finish her senior year so she could graduate. On March 2, 1948, she married the love of her life, Herschell Lee Covington. From this union came four children: Brenda, Ardean, Keith, and Carl. They moved from North Little Rock in 1961 and made their home on a farm in Ward, Arkansas. This was Herschell’s lifelong dream, and Neicey embraced it with him. They were married for almost 30 years before Herschell’s death on February 4, 1978. She remained in their home until her death.

Neicey was preceded in death by her parents James and Myrtle Turner; husband Herschell Covington; and sisters Gladys Putt and Ardath Rogers.

Neicey is survived by her four children: Brenda Shurley of Cabot; Ardean (Jerry) Coffman of Bertram, Texas; Keith (Jan) Covington of Ward, Arkansas; and Carl (Sandy) Covington of Ward, Arkansas. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. In addition, she is survived by her two brothers, James “Archie” Turner of Cabot, Arkansas; Doyne Turner of Hickory Plains, Arkansas; and many other extended family members and friends. A special tribute is given to Herschell’s sister, Linda Luck, Neicey’s “running buddy” for many years.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in the Chapel at Smith- Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe, Arkansas. The funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024, at Hickory Plains Missionary Baptist Church with burial to follow at Hickory Plains Cemetery.

Arrangements by Smith Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W Dewitt Henry, Beebe, Arkansas.  To view the online register visit www.smithfamilycares.com.