Rheda Dodson Davenport, 91, of Chattanooga, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, lovingly surrounded by members of her family.
Born on November 2, 1927, in Richard City, TN, the daughter of the late Walter and Ulah Snodgrass Dodson, she was a 1945 graduate of Richard Hardy High School. She then enlisted in the United States Nurse Cadet Corps during World War II. While serving in the corps she went on a double date with a friend and met Navy Ensign named Buell Davenport, who was her friend's blind date for the evening. The two were smitten with one another and were married within a few months on May 15, 1947, at the St. Elmo Church of Christ.
Mrs. Davenport will be remembered for her determined spirit and her hospitality and service to anyone who may have needed. She always had a place at her table and food to eat, as well as a bed to sleep on, for just about anyone that had a need.
They eventually made their home in Chattanooga, where she embarked on her nursing career, eventually retiring from working with Dr. James W. Sherrell, a fertility specialist.
She was a member of the East Brainerd Church of Christ since 1962, but has cherished lifelong relationships with the brethren at the congregations in Ooltewah, Tyner, St. Elmo and East Ridge.
In addition to her parents and siblings, Mrs. Davenport was preceded in death by her husband, Buell E. Davenport, a son, Gregory Davenport and a granddaughter, Julie Ann Grider.
Left to celebrate the legacy of her life are her children: Michael (LaRhonda) Davenport, Gary (Terry Jean) Davenport, Terry (Faye) Davenport, Jennifer (John) Kachelman, Bo (DeAnna) Davenport, Janice Merriman, Mark Davenport, Dr. Joyce (Stan) Sloan, and Joel (Anna) Davenport; grandchildren: Brian, Suzanne, Tonia, Sarah, Johnny, Kristin, Eric, Josh, Rachel, Katie, Jesse, Gregory, Grace, Jordan, Rebekah, April, Haley and Esther; and several great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM Friday, August 30, in the funeral home chapel. A private family burial will follow the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Chattanooga Christian Services, 6816 Ty Hi Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family.
The family will receive friends from 11 AM – 1 PM Friday, August 30, at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
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