Nida Marcella Covington Grubbs peacefully passed away on February 22, 2024,
after nearly a week of being surrounded by family. Marcy “Butsie”Grubbs, was born
in Baton Rouge, LA on September 18, 1942, to her parents Milton Thomas Covington
and Nida Laura Noland Covington. She was the eldest of 4 children: siblings,
Beverly Ann Covington Bonifay, Lillian Catherine Covington McAllister Caldwell, and
Michael Thomas Covington.
A graduate of Baton Rouge High School class of 1960, she had many friends. Her
circle of friendships grew when she attended Louisiana Tech, where she enjoyed her
studies and being a member of the Kappa Delta sorority.
Her marriage to former husband, Thomas Mannan Grubbs, Sr., led to the welcoming
of three children: Thomas Mannan Grubbs, Jr., Paige Grubbs Metersky, and Steven
O’Neal Grubbs. Marcy enjoyed being a mom in the NASA community of Clear Lake
City and was active in supporting her children’s scholastic and extracurricular
activities including Whitcomb Elementary room mother, PTA member, countless
carpools, Cub Scout leader, and Girl Scout leader.
After earning a Masters in Education from The University of Houston at Clear Lake,
she became a middle school science teacher, eventually becoming head of the
science department at Baker Junior High in LaPorte, TX.
Marcy was immensely interested in archaeology, and for many years as an active
member of the Texas Archaeological Society, participated in numerous formal
archaeological digs throughout the state of Texas. She enjoyed many occasions of
uncovering and documenting our state’s vibrant natural history of the Karankawa
Indians and other historical predecessors in Texas.
Marcy was a fantastic cook and she loved to travel; enjoying trips to New York City,
Seattle, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, the Grand Canyon, Big Bend National Park, the
Davis Mountains, Grand Teton National Park, Belgium, Paris, London, and Rome.
After living in the Houston area for most of her adult life, Marcy moved to Plano, TX
where she resided for what would be her final twelve years. As her health began to
decline and physical challenges were presented, she had a positive attitude,
enjoyed life fully, participated in family events, and deeply cherished the numerous
friendships made where she lived.
Marcy was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her son, Tom Grubbs, Jr., her
sister, Beverly Bonifay, and her niece, Meredith McAllister Pauli. She leaves behind

a daughter, Paige Metersky (husband Ross), a son, Steve Grubbs (wife Kelly), seven
grandchildren (Grant Metersky, Caroline Metersky, Holly Metersky, Gramme Grubbs,
Sully Grubbs, Ellis Grubbs and Noland Grubbs), siblings Lillian Caldwell and
Michael Covington (wife Madonna), five nieces, one nephew, and treasured friend,
Don Eichenberger, who made every day special and always made her smile.
Although her passing was not unexpected, the end of a life is a profound event to
accept as we fondly recall sentimental moments and happy times from the past.
Marcy was a witty and spirited person who will be deeply missed by family and
friends. Her life will be celebrated near Houston and in Baton Rouge at future times
to be shared at a later date.