Gladys W Davenport

Mrs. Gladys W. Davenport transitioned from this world on Thursday, February 26, 2026, reaching her 94th birthday. She was born on February 21, 1932, in Columbia, South Carolina to the late Ms. Bettie Walker.

Gladys came into this world during the height of the Great Depression, just prior to World War II. As an African American woman in her early 20s, she pursued her teaching degree at Allen University during a time when women were less encouraged to further their education. There she met her husband, Clarence Davenport, Jr. She subsequently paused her degree program, and the two started a family in Clinton, South Carolina. She eventually went back to Allen as an adult to complete her teaching degree in the 60s.

In 1968, her family suffered a pivotal loss with the passing of her husband, Clarence Davenport, Jr. Despite the loss, she continues to teach and support her family even through times of unrest such as school integration during the Civil Rights era.

In her later years, after retiring, Gladys cherished sharing stories about her time teaching and the children she had the pleasure of educating. She would even sing some of the songs she once sang in class. When she wasn't chatting or singing, you could find her cheering on her favorite sports teams, especially Duke Basketball. She also loved repeatedly watching the classic, Gone with the Wind, and the TV show, Monk. Through it all, her love of color remained constant, with pink holding a special place in her heart. Her life was full of nearly a century of experiences that shaped who she was and will continue to be reflected in her familial legacy.

She was preceded in death and welcomed in her transition by her husband, Clarence Davenport, Jr., daughter, Sharon Davenport, and sons, Tyrone and Derwin Davenport.

Gladys leaves to cherish the precious memories of her blessed life: her sons, Clarence (& Doris), Jody (&Donna) and Michael (in absentia) Davenport; daughters-in-law, Sabrina and Linda Davenport, and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

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