Sabra Lynette Coverdale of the Shinnecock Indian Nation died on January 18 at the Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas. She was 52. Ms. Coverdale was born November 15, 1962, to Berry Ann Boxley and William David Coverdale in Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia. She attended Germantown Friends School from kindergarten through graduation. In 1979, at the age of 16, she was accepted to Cornell University in Ithaca, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in computer science. She later went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School, in 1986, earning an MBA in entrepreneurial management and strategic planning.
Her career as an information technology and services specialist landed her a summer position with Compaq, which then became a full-time job in 2000. With that, she was then able to move to Hewlett-Packard in 2002 and continue with a career in corporate America until 2009. During her career she was able to travel to many exotic locations including Africa, Asia and Europe, an opportunity she relished.
Survivors said Ms. Coverdale later embarked on a different kind of voyage when she announced that she was expecting her first child, Blake Taylor. Two years later she revealed that she was expecting a second child, Brent Taylor.
She took pride in her appearance and carried herself with style and grace. Survivors said that when she entered a room her pleasant personality was felt and her infectious smile brightened her surroundings.
Ms. Coverdale was proud of her Shinnecock heritage, was very passionate about youth, and supported higher education and cultural enrichment. She contributed yearly to the Shinnecock Nations Youth Council in memory of her father, the late William “Bunky” Coverdale, who was an advisor to the council. With her generous endowments, the young council members were able to travel yearly to the National Unity conferences throughout the country. She also donated computers to Southampton Day Care, which her children attended.
Ms. Coverdale was predeceased by a sister, Stacey J. Coverdale, and her father, William D. Coverdale. She is survived by her sons, Blake Taylor and Brent Taylor, and their father, Ollie Taylor; her mother, Berry Ann Boxley; three sisters, Sabrina Bess, Selena Coverdale and Shari Holloway; a niece, Chenoa Curry; three nephews, Christopher Jenerette, Kendel Jenerette and Seth Holloway; and many cousins and friends.
A viewing and funeral service were held on Saturday at the Shinnecock Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Michael Smith officiating. Burial followed at Shinnecock Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.
on Jan 27, 2015