With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Isaiah Covert, 86, of Lane, SC, husband of Neomia Covert, an Army Veteran, who passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

The family will receive friends and family at his late residence, 121 10th Street, Lane, SC.

Life Reflections

Isaiah McKendley Covert was born on August 8, 1939, in Salters, South Carolina, to the late Deacon Henry and Deaconess Lillie Montgomery Covert. Raised in a close-knit family, Isaiah's early life laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to education, community service, and leadership.

Isaiah was preceded in death by his parents, Deacon Henry and Deaconess Lillie Montgomery Covert; his brother Samuel Covert; his sisters Margaret Olivian Covert and Elease Bradley; and his son Brandon Covert.

Education and Military Service

Isaiah attended Marion School, Tomlinson School, and Blakely High School, where he earned his high school diploma. His academic journey continued at Friendship Junior College, where he received an Associate of Arts degree. He further pursued his education at Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies.

Upon graduation, Isaiah answered the call of duty and was drafted into the United States Army. After completing training at Fort Jackson, he was stationed in Seoul, South Korea, where he served in the 7th Division as a Professor Education Advisor. His military service continued at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia, where he worked in the Office of Personnel.

Isaiah continued his education by earning a Master of Arts in Education from South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Professional Career

In 1968, after completing his military service, Isaiah began his long and impactful career in education with the Williamsburg County School District. His journey started at Lane Consolidated Elementary School as a Physical Education teacher and coach. Seeking to expand his skills, he attended Manpower Technical School, now Williamsburg Technical College, where he studied electricity.

Isaiah's career continued with notable roles at St. Mark High School as an English Teacher, Blakely High School, and C.E. Murray High School, where he became a Special Education teacher. Throughout his time at these schools, Isaiah made a significant impact on the lives of countless students and imparted to them lifelong lessons through mentorship. After 30 years of dedicated service to the district, he retired in 1995 from Williamsburg County School District, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication to education.

Church and Community Involvement

Isaiah is a lifelong member and deacon of Marion Missionary Baptist Church, where he has served in numerous capacities. Throughout his tenure, he has served as Vice Chairman of the Deacon Board, as well as the Sunday School Superintendent and Sunday School Teacher. Additionally, Isaiah has served as President of both the Welfare Committee, Budget Committee, and Brotherhood Committee.

In addition to his church service, Isaiah was an active lifetime member of the Square Deal Masonic Lodge #448, where he served as Junior Warden, Senior Warden, and Worshipful Master from 1983 to 1990. He is also a proud member of the Pi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, which further reflects his commitment to leadership and service.

Other Interests

Outside of his career and community service, Isaiah engaged in a variety of entrepreneurial interests. He owned businesses related to taxes, landscaping, and farming, where he cultivated tobacco, corn, soybeans, okra, squash, cucumbers, watermelons, butterbeans, and his infamous muscadine grapes. He was a man of many gifts, whose diverse skill set was matched only by his deep and abiding connection with nature.

Family Life

In 1972, Isaiah married Neomia G. Burroughs of Lane, South Carolina. From this union, five children were born, Vonzella, Doyle, Denise, Brittany, and Brandon, our heavenly angel. He is also the grandfather of eight grandchildren. Together, Isaiah and Neomia built a life centered around family and community. They remain steadfast in uplifting one another's endeavors, a testament to unity and shared vision. Isaiah's role as a husband, father, and grandfather are just as vital to his story as his professional achievements.

A Legacy of Service

Isaiah McKendley Covert's life is a testament to the power of family, faith, education, dedication, and community service. Through his work as an educator, deacon, mentor, and community leader, he leaves a legacy that continues to touch lives, influence generations, and stand as a role model within our community.

Those left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 55 years, Mrs. Neomia Covert; four children, Vonzella Covert of Kingstree, SC, Doyle Covert of Columbia, SC, Denise Covert-Wilson (Charlie) of Conway, SC, and Brittany Covert Greene (Parvin) of Nashville, TN; eight grandchildren, Isaiah, Johnathan, Natalie, Colin, Justice, Diverse, Avery, and Addison; three sisters, Annie Mae Covert Dawes of Charlotte, NC, Lillie Ruth Covert Freeman of Atlanta, GA, and Naomi Covert Gamble of Darlington, SC; and a foster sister, Carnellae C. Davis of Atlanta, GA; sisters-in-law, Ruth Keels (George) of Cherry Hill, NJ, Gwendolyn Jones of Fayetteville, NC, Thomasena Roberts (Levern) of Kingstree, SC, and Geraldine Pitts of Camden, NJ; brothers-in-law Tyrone Burroughs (Nelda) of Memphis, TN, Raymond Burroughs of Columbia, SC, and Bryant Burroughs of Lane, SC. Those influenced by his father-figure love and guidance are Sharon Murray, Kimberly Gambrell, Dewayne Covert, Rodney Covert, and Beulah Hilton. His love expanded to a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Isaiah's legacy continues to touch many lives and influence the personal growth of those he served as a role model to. His unwavering commitment to making a difference is a lasting legacy that will inspire generations to come.