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COVID-19 has impacted the lives of many across Covington County and for some, it brought about the loss of loved ones. Since the first confirmed cases in Covington County in March, 38 people have died as a result of the novel coronavirus, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Among those lost to COVID-19 was Twynette Worley, a 61-year-old resident of Andalusia. “She was a wife, mom, nana and an amazing friend to many. Her absence has left such a hole in our hearts and our lives,” said her daughter, Ashton Owens. Mrs. Worley is survived by her husband, Gerald Worley; his son, Russell; a daughter, Ashton Owens; three sons, Zackery, William and Caleb; 20 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.
On Sept. 9, Clara Curry passed away after diagnosed with COVID-19. Mrs. Shaw was a retiree who worked at Amoco/Shaw Industries. Her family said she “loved the Lord, cooking, and spending time with her family.” She is survived by two children, Sandra Gantt and Jerry Bradley; 10 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Ellen Helms, a retired licensed practical nurse, was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Oct. 5. Only five days later, on Oct. 10, Mrs. Helms passed away. She graduated from Straughn High School in 1957 and worked at Alatex until it closed, leading her back to school to earn her nursing degree. She worked at Andalusia Hospital, HomeHealth, and would retire from Dr. Joanne Smith’s office. She would have been 82 on Dec. 17.  She is survived by a son, Randall Helms, and a daughter, Tina Williams; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

On Dec. 13, COVID-19 led to the death of Doris McGlaun Henderson, 84, of Andalusia. Upon her diagnosis, Mrs. Henderson developed pneumonia and spent seven days on a ventilator before her passing. She worked for nearly 40 years as a beautician and then served Straughn Elementary School’s extended day program where she is described as “impacting and loving so many of the children. She considered them her children.” She is survived by three daughters, Becky Hobbs, Rhonda Mosley, and Sonia Wallace; and was “Mawmaw” to nine grandchildren and five, soon to be seven, great-grandchildren. 

Most recently, on Dec. 20, Twinette Barnes, 85, of Babbie, passed away from complications related to the COVID-19 coronavirus. She was a longtime resident of Southport, Florida before moving to Covington County in 2014 to be closer to her daughter, Tina O’Neal, and her grandchildren. “She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She now rests in the arms of her Lord Jesus Christ,” her family said. Mrs. Barnes is survived by six children, Betty “Jody” Robbins, Daniel Sumner, Ronnie Sumner, Tina O’Neal, Michael Sumner, and Lisa Mullins, as well as 11 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

Over 4,100 Alabamians are confirmed to have died due to COVID-19 as of Dec. 29. Those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic urge everyone to take the proper precautions to help stop the spread of the virus.

“This pandemic is no joke and until a family is directly affected by it, I don’t think people realize just how serious it truly is,” said Rhonda Mosley, daughter of Doris Henderson.