Emma Lee Davenport's Obituary
Emma Lee Davenport was born to Charlie, Sr. and Georgia (Williams) Blue in Scotts, Arkansas on April 12, 1922. The fourth of eight children, Emma was a feisty tomboy that even as young girl, kept pace with her brothers, whether it be climbing trees or shooting marbles.
A lifelong learner and avid reader, Emma attended Little Rock Public Schools, studied Home Economics at Arkansas Baptist College and was a trained seamstress.
Emma carried herself with a royal dignity and grace throughout her life. A timeless beauty, blue jeans, pearls and gold bangles were her signature style of good taste and comfort.
Known as “Steamer” to some and “Granny” to all, Emma married Tommie Davenport on Valentine’s Day in 1944 and moved to San Francisco to support the war effort. Emma and Tommie settled in Berkeley, California, where they lived together for 52 years. They loved and encouraged five children between them: Walter Jr., Barbara, Billie, Patricia and Tommie Jr.
Many fanciful years with children and grandchildren were spent at their summer cottage in Clear Lake, California, where Emma was active with the youth choir at Praises of Zion Baptist Church and enjoyed a love for gardening, fishing and cultivating roses.
After the passing of her husband the Clear Lake cabin was sold. Emma then joined Bethany Baptist Church in Oakland and shared her later years with her companion and fellow Christian, Robert Donald.
Emma was well known for her quilting and sewing skills and her love of antiques. Whether it was antique textiles, furniture or art, Emma had an eye and business sense for true quality and treasures from the past. She travelled to Europe and beyond collecting and selling for her business: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. An avid quilter, Emma’s own handmade quilts were featured inSunset and Architectural digest magazines. The beautiful display of quilts presented in her much-anticipated yard sales earned Emma the local nickname of “Quilt Lady.”
Independent, disciplined, instinctively positive, elegant and gracious, Emma always set a lovely table, welcomed everyone and gave sincerely of her wisdom and love.
Emma is preceded in death by her devoted husband, Tommie, Sr.; children: Tommie, Jr., Billie, and Patricia; parents: Charlie, Sr. and Georgia Blue; brothers: Sylvester, Charlie, Jr., Willford, Willie, and L.P.; and her sister Erma Jean.
Emma passed away on January 6, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. Her legacy will be honored by her children: Walter (Joanne) Banks, Jr. of Oakland, CA and Barbara Jordan of Little Rock Arkansas; her devoted sister Lois Blue of Berkeley, CA; fourteen grandchildren: Devvie, Walter, III, Daphne, Kevin, Yulonda, Eric, Angela, Emily, Brenda, Andrea, Patrice, Yulana, Jeanette and Jamela; 23 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; her host of beloved nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
Visitation with Emma will be held, Thursday, January 18th from 4-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 19th at 11 a.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, with interment immediately following on Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette, CA.
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