Helen Covert Ogburn

Helen Rae Covert Ogburn, 92 of Sanford peacefully passed away Monday March 16, 2026. Private graveside services were held at Buffalo Cemetery.

Mrs. Ogburn was born in Sanford, daughter of the late Irving Laster Covert and Effie Dowd Thomas Covert. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, John Robert Ogburn. She was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church.

Helen is survived by her children, Jaci Watson (Jeff), Robin Childress, (Jay), John “Jay” Ogburn Jr (Chastity), and Mark Ogburn (Kelly); grandchildren, Parker Watson, Carter Curtin, Fuller Watson, Chrissy Maginnis, Robert Childress, Cameron Childress, John Robert Ogburn III, Piper Ogburn, Wyatt Ogburn, Rachel Barlow, Zach Gautier, Annah Jill Rupard, Mary Kathryn Laws and Parker Ogburn; great grandchildren, Watson Curtin, Helen Curtin, Finn Watson, Collin Kream, Briggs Maginnis, Kenan Maginnis, Reynolds Maginnis, Esther Childress, Maeve Childress, and Winston Childress.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 203 Hawkins Ave, Sanford, NC 27330; or to Liberty Hospice, 1005 Carthage St, Sanford, NC 27330.

A special poem from Mark to his Mother

“DECADES OF DA LIGHT”

You saw the world and lived a full life

You were a good mother and a good military wife

You moved a lot and the world you roamed

And at each stop - you built a home

You and John laughed and loved to dance

There’s no doubt - there was romance

Four chillen and numerous dogs to boot

That’s a hell-of-a-lot to have to uproot

But that was yall’s life and lived it you did

You both grew old - but started as kids

And now its time to go our separate ways

There will be sorrow in these next coming days

But we all know better things are to come

Glorious eternity for you - more living for some

So go meet dad and continue yall’s quest

We’ll stay here for a while and do our best

But worry not - you taught us how to win

So we must say farewell until we meet again

We’re not saying goodbye but more of a so-long

We will definitely miss you while you are gone

And now you can finally escape the rat race

Feel the sun on your skin and knows God’s grace

We ALL love you Helen and always will

From time to time we’ll check the “ movie real “

And keep you in our thoughts and prayers too

Take care of yourself MOM – WE LOVE YOU !!!