Martha Woods Covert

Born on May 14, 1926, her parents were Joseph Edgar Woods and Kathryn Gary Doyle Woods of Teague, TX. When she was 11 years old, her parents moved to Temple, TX, where Martha lived until graduating from Temple High School. Her early childhood included travelling with her parents to bank conventions, as her father was a former President of the Texas Bankers Association.

Martha spent nine summers attending Camp Waldemar in Hunt, TX. She loved this beautiful camp and was the first of three generations to attend. She returned to Waldemar to see her daughters and granddaughters participate, and always loved sitting by the Guadalupe River.

She graduated from Hockaday Junior College in 1945, and attended The University of Texas at Austin, where she pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Throughout her life, she remained an active Kappa, most recently becoming involved with the current House renovation project.

Martha met the love of her life, Dr. Frank M. Covert, III, on a blind date, when he was interning at Scott-White Hospital in Temple. They married in Temple on February 1, 1947, while he was still in the Navy, and moved to Amarillo, TX, where Frank completed his naval assignment at the VA Hospital.

In 1951, the couple moved to Austin, where Martha's life centered on family, church, and community. She became a member of University Presbyterian Church, and has served as an Elder, Stewardship Chairman, and on the Board. In 1986, Martha was awarded the Life Membership, an honor of which she was particularly proud. She was recently still participating in her monthly Church Circles.

Always generous with her time and financial contributions, Martha was involved with many organizations throughout her life. Her Junior League membership, since 1955, gave her great pleasure. She had many different jobs with the League, but two of her favorites were Treasurer, and also Thrift Shop Chairman. She always loved working at Christmas Affair, and volunteered countless hours each year. The League selected Martha as Volunteer Extraordinaire in 1993, an honor recognizing her many contributions of service to the Austin community.

The Settlement Club was another of her top priorities. A member since 1965, Martha could be seen every year working in the "Boutique" at the Garage Sale, and sorting contributions on Monday's at the Home.

Other contributions of her time went to KLRU, chairing the first two Auctions on the new television station; serving on the Board of Goodwill Industries, becoming the first woman President 1974-75; and serving on the Board of United Way. She also chaired the "Donor Wall" at St. David's Hospital through their HealthCare Foundation, and was a Board member of the Paramount Theatre, chairing the first Sale of Seats and brass plaque placements during the Theatre restoration.

Martha loved history and was especially proud to have been appointed by both Governor John Connally and Governor Preston Smith to serve on the Texas Historical Commission from 1967-77. She truly enjoyed travelling throughout Texas dedicating the historical markers.

With her love of education, she also enjoyed her years of serving on the board of directors at Schreiner University in Kerrville, TX.

Her family and friends were most important to her. "What can I do for you today?" was a regularly asked question to a loved one. Every morning, Martha could be found at her desk with a stack of notecards. A lucky recipient might receive a thank you note, Birthday card, sympathy note, or simply well wishes. She was happiest when she was helping others and enriched the lives of those who knew her. Martha had so many friends, and made a point to stay connected to them all of her life. Her unfinished update of her new address book is still on her desk.

She set the example of being the best mother simply by being one. A card given to her daughters on their first Mother's Day best describes Martha's credo:

"May life give its best to the dearest of Mothers whose life is given to doing for others."

We will all miss Mimi's beautiful blue eyes, but know that she will live in our hearts forever.

Martha is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Dr. Frank M. Covert, III; daughters Gary Beth Baggett and husband Richard S. Baggett of Portland, OR and Carol Crowley and husband Tim Crowley of Austin; and grandchildren Catherine Covert Baggett of Los Angeles, CA, Christopher Covert Crowley of Austin, and Elizabeth Hollins Crowley of Austin.

The family wishes to thank the physicians and staff at St. David's Hospital for their excellent care and compassion for the past month.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2014 at University Presbyterian Church, 2203 San Antonio Street.

Those desiring to make contributions to honor Martha's life may donate to: University Presbyterian Church, 2203 San Antonio Street, Austin, TX 78705; Settlement Home for Children, 1600 Payton Gin Road, Austin, TX 78758; or The Dr. and Mrs. Frank M. Covert, III, Endowed Scholarship Fund at Schreiner University, 2100 Memorial Blvd., Kerrville, TX 78028-5697.