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Submitted: 10/30/12 • Approved: 11/1/12 • Last Updated: 11/5/12 • R774372-G774370-S3
Dewey - Mar 23, 1898 - Oct 12, 1981
Lena - Jan 18, 1906 - Aug 18, 2008
Obituary
Roller Funeral Home
Lena Mae Oliver Davenport passed away August 18,2008 at the age of 102 in Clinton, Arkansas.. She was born January 18, 1906 to Flora and Hollis Oliver. Lena had three sisters and one brother, all deceased. She was preceded in death by her husband George Dewey Davenport and her son William “Bill” Oliver Davenport, M.D.
Before moving to Clinton the Davenports were teachers in Oklahoma.
In 1934, with three small children, Bill, Dana and Dot, they moved to Clinton where Dewey had attended high school and had family in the county. They were encouraged to go into business by their friend Jim Burnett.
The Davenport Variety Store was an immediate success and Lena worked to make it so.
The Variety Store burned in 1946. Then the Davenports bought and operated a clothing store and Ford Motor Company dealership for a short time. After retirement Dewey became ill and it progressed to the point where it required nursing home care. Lena visited him everyday until his death in 1981.
Lena and Dewey were both charter members of the First Baptist Church of Clinton. Lena was instrumental in organizing the Women’s Missionary Society of the church and taught a Sunday School class for several years.
Lena loved gospel music, and was the happiest when her family got together with other friends and came to the house to sing and play music. Lena didn’t like slow sad songs, but songs she could clap her hands and tap her feet to. If too slow, she would say”pep it up a little!”. Meaning, make it happy.
Mom or Mammaw as we all called her, was an optimist and could always see good in everyone. She never seemed to hold a grudge, and was a very forgiving person. Her favorite saying was “I love you a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck!” She will be sorely missed by her family.
Lena is survived by her two daughters Dana Ruff and Dot Peel both of Clinton, daughter-in-law Carolyn Davenport of Miami, Florida. Four grandsons, Mike and Pat Ruff of Clinton, Steve Ruff of Houston, Texas and William Davenport M.D. of Stuart, Florida. One granddaughter Delena Wilson of Russellville, Arkansas. She is also survived by five great grandsons, Jim Taylor of Russellville, Eric, Nick and Jake Ruff of Houston, Texas and Will Davenport , one great granddaughter Holly Davenport of Stuart, Florida, and “Miss Lena’s” special caregiver, Becky Knapp.
Contributed on 10/30/12 by hawkinsdonna
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Record #: 774372