Betty Jean (Blake) Davenport was born June 21, 1939 to Leslie O' Neal and Thelma (Gunn) Blake in Walnut, Mississippi. She was the oldest of 3 children. In 1940, Betty was sent to Palestine, Arkansas to live with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. C. Lenzy Gunn. In 1946, the family moved to St. Louis, Missouri. Betty attended Simmons Grade School and Sumner High School graduating June 11, 1957. She worked for the Record Center at 4300 Goodfellow. She later went to work for General American Life Insurance Company where she retired July 1, 1995 after 26 years of service. She met Johnnie Davenport when she was 19 years old. They became friends and later got married January 9, 1965. He preceded her in death. There was one son in this marriage. Betty joined Martha Chapter #7 Order of the Eastern Star in 1970. She was the Worthy Matron from 1978 thru 1981. She was the Past President of the School of Instructions. She leaves to mourn her passing: one son, Bernard (Debra) Davenport, nine grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren, one brother, Buster Walker (Pauline) of Jackson, Tennessee; one sister, Jacqueline Mingo of Detroit, Michigan; seven sister-in-law, two brothers-in-law; one aunt, Hadie M. Weaver of Palestine, Arkansas; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Betty Davenport. You are invited to add a Tribute in her memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.