OZARK…Mrs. Sophia Nicole Covington-Bess, a resident of Ozark, passed away early Wednesday afternoon, April 29, 2026, in a Dothan hospital. She was 48.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Greater Sardis Missionary Baptist Church in Ozark with Elder Willie F. Lett, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in St. Rose Baptist Church Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00 P.M. at the church.
Mrs. Sophia Nicole Covington-Bess, age 48, of Ozark, Alabama, was born on January 30, 1978, to Lillie Jewel Covington-Weeks and Jerry Lee Brown. She peacefully departed this life on April 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and all who her cherished her deeply.
Sophia received her early education at Mamie Thompkins Kindergarten and continued her studies at Mixon Elementary School, D.A. Smith Middle School, and Carroll High School. During her time at Carroll High School, she actively participated in R.O.T.C and Cosmetology, demonstrating her strength, discipline, and creativity.
During her childhood, Sophia spent part of her early years in Englewood, New Jersey, where she attended middle school in the late 1980s. In the early 1990s, she returned to Ozark, Alabama, where she continued her education and formed lifelong friendships and treasured memories.
Sophia was blessed with her firstborn son, Christopher Raheem Covington, in 1993. On November 20, 1995, she was united in holy matrimony to Benjie Marcellous Bess, Sr. From this union, two sons were born: Benjie Bess, Jr. and Tyrese Kevon Bess.
Sophia was a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, and friend. She loved deeply and wholeheartedly, and her presence brought warmth and comfort to everyone around her. Her unwavering love for her family was evident, and she treasured every moment spent with her children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Lillie Jewel Covington-Weeks; her father, Jerry Lee Brown; two unborn children, Baby Angel No. 1 and Baby Angel No. 2; along with a host of beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and great-grandparents.
Sophia’s legacy of love, strength, and compassion will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories her stepfather, Fred Nance; her husband, Benjie Marcellous Bess Sr., her sons, Christopher Raheem Covington, Benjie Bess Jr. (DaNeisha), and Tyrese Kevon Bess; her stepdaughter, De’siona Grider; her beloved grandchildren, Emorii Grace Blair, Emmanuel Ky’rie Covington, Irie Alea-Rose Covington, Yuri Amina-Christian Covington, Sanaii Yanae Faith Raines, Skye Janae Hope Williams, and Kayden Lanier Arnold; sisters, Shanika Crittendon, Lamekia Campbell, and Felicia Covington; brothers, Jeffery Covington (Priscilla), Willie B. Covington (Christina), Clyde Covington, Alex Barrow, Brandin Davis, and Bernard Campbell; grand pup, Athena Rhose; along with a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
Through Sophia’s physical presence will be deeply missed, her love, laughter, and spirit will remain forever in the hearts of all WHO cherished and loved her.
