Posts in category: Mary Mother

The international film community is mourning the loss of Udo Kier, the legendary German actor whose bold career, spanning more than fifty years and more than two hundred films, reshaped expectations of what screen performance could be. Kier passed away at the age of 81, as confirmed by his partner, Delbert McBride. His death marks the end of an era defined by audacity, innovation, and an artistry that refused boundaries.

Udo Kier was not merely an actor—he was a cinematic force. From the earliest days of his career, he gravitated toward roles that challenged convention, embracing characters that were eccentric, unsettling, sensual, or darkly comedic. His breakthrough performances in Andy Warhol’s provocative classics, Flesh for Frankenstein and Blood for Dracula, showcased his extraordinary ability to merge contradiction into a unified, unforgettable presence. Few actors could embody terror, humor, elegance, and strangeness with such seamless naturalness.

Kier continued to expand his artistic reach through collaborations with some of Europe’s most celebrated filmmakers. Working with Rainer Werner Fassbinder, he appeared in Bolwieser, The Third Generation, and Lili Marleen, solidifying his place among the continent’s greatest art-house talents. His chance encounter with Gus Van Sant in Berlin led to his celebrated performance in My Own Private Idaho, where he held his own alongside River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves, captivating American audiences with his distinctive magnetism.

Perhaps most iconic was Kier’s long-standing collaboration with Lars von Trier, which spanned decades and included unforgettable appearances in Epidemic, Europa, Dogville, Melancholia, and Nymphomaniac. In each, he offered performances that defied expectation—raw yet graceful, extreme yet deeply human.

Hollywood, too, recognized his brilliance. Kier brought unforgettable flair to films such as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Armageddon, and Blade, and his work even drew the admiration of Madonna, leading to collaborations during her Erotica era.

Born in Cologne amid wartime bombing, Kier carved a path from London to Los Angeles and Palm Springs, where he lived surrounded by art, architecture, and the eclectic beauty that inspired him. A beloved regular at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, he was cherished by fans, colleagues, and emerging filmmakers alike.

Udo Kier was an unparalleled artist—fearless, visionary, and wholly unique. To his partner, family, and the global film community, we extend our deepest condolences. His legacy will endure not only in his films, but in the worlds he created and the countless artists he inspired.

An inimitable icon has left us, but his brilliance will remain eternal. May he rest in peace.

It is with profound sadness and heartfelt reverence that we announce the passing of Pastor Anna Burke-Parks Covington, a beloved mother, teacher, preacher, and spiritual guide. Her loss has left a deep void in the hearts of her family, friends, and the Destiny Church International community, who were blessed by her unwavering faith, wisdom, and generosity of spirit.

Pastor Anna Burke-Parks Covington was a life well-lived, marked by devotion to God, her family, and her congregation. Known for her kind and compassionate nature, she touched the lives of countless individuals, offering guidance, encouragement, and love wherever she went. Her ministry was a reflection of her extraordinary character; she approached every sermon, every counseling session, and every interaction with authenticity, grace, and a heart committed to uplifting others. She never met a stranger and always extended warmth and care to all who crossed her path.

Beyond her role as a spiritual leader, Pastor Covington was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family was her anchor, and she poured her heart into nurturing and supporting them, leaving a legacy of love that will endure through generations. Those fortunate enough to be in her presence recall her radiant smile, her comforting words, and her ability to make everyone feel valued and seen. Her life was a testament to the power of faith, service, and compassion.

As the Destiny Church International community and her loved ones grieve this profound loss, we honor her memory by remembering the extraordinary impact she made on each life she touched. Her teachings, her guidance, and her unwavering devotion to God’s work will continue to inspire and guide those who follow in her footsteps.

To Pastor Covington’s family—her husband Mr. Jerry Covington, her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends—we extend our deepest condolences. May you find comfort in the cherished memories, the lessons she imparted, and the love she shared so freely. Though she has departed from this earthly life, Pastor Anna Burke-Parks Covington now rests in eternal peace, adorned with the crown of righteousness and the gratitude of all whose lives she blessed.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her legacy a guiding light that will forever illuminate the hearts of those she loved and served.

The Dothan and Ashford communities are mourning the tragic loss of Ashton Jacobs, who passed away unexpectedly in a single-vehicle accident on November 23, 2025, at the age of twenty-one. Her untimely passing has left a profound void among her family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by her energy, kindness, and bright spirit. Ashton’s life, though far too short, left an indelible mark on those who knew her, and her memory will be cherished for years to come.

Ashton was a devoted mother, a beloved daughter, and a valued member of the Southeast Health team. Those who worked alongside her remember her as a compassionate, dedicated, and warmhearted individual who brought light to every space she entered. Her devotion to her family was evident in all she did, and she balanced her responsibilities with grace and love. Her child, family, and loved ones will carry her legacy forward, holding dear the moments they shared and the love she so freely gave.

The community continues to rally around the Jacobs family in this time of sorrow. The details of the accident, in which Ashton’s vehicle left the roadway and overturned, are still under investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. While the circumstances of her passing are heartbreaking, what remains undeniable is the life she lived and the impact she made. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues remember her vitality, her warmth, and her promise—qualities that defined her presence in every aspect of her life.

Ashton’s memory will live on through the countless lives she touched. She will be remembered not only for her energy and bright spirit but also for her caring nature, her dedication to family, and her unwavering kindness to others. In times like these, the community draws strength from shared memories, love, and support, honoring the life of someone who gave so much in her brief years.

To Ashton’s family, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. May you find comfort in one another, solace in cherished memories, and strength in the outpouring of love from the community. Ashton Jacobs’s life, though tragically brief, was meaningful and impactful. Her memory will endure in the hearts of all who knew her, and her spirit will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.

May she rest in peace.