Merle Davenport

Merle Lorraine Stephens Davenport, 95, born June 6, 1929 in Uvalde, Texas, passed away peacefully at Amistad Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Uvalde, Texas. 

She was the beloved daughter of Frank and Elsie (Davis) Stephens and the cherished wife of Bert Davenport. Bert and Merle married June 7, 1946 in the Baptist Church, Reagan Wells, TX. 

Merle was a dedicated mother to four children: Sherry Hall (Alvin), Rex Davenport (Carol), Stephen Davenport, and Terry Davenport.

 She was a member of the Reagan Wells Baptist Church and spent her life serving others in various roles. She always identified herself as a “Workhorse.” Some, but not all, of her positions included a teller at First State Bank of Uvalde right out of high school, a keypunch operator at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio,Tx , a computer programmer in several locations including the Naval Base in Corpus Christi, Tx, US Marine Corps Headquarters in Kansas City, Mo, DOD Marine division in Washington, DC, and Treasury Dept in Austin, Tx, a dispatch operator for the Border Patrol in Del Rio, Tx., and retired as a telephone operator at First State Bank of Uvalde at age 83, completing her journey full circle.

Merle was preceded in death by her parents, sister Lora Jean Sanderlin, husband Bert, and granddaughter, Samantha Hall, and baby Perry. 

She is survived by her four children, their spouses, and a legacy of love through her grandchildren: Brandy (Hall) Wright, Trey Hall, Jessica Belcher, Rachel Riggs, Hailey Tuck, Rion Clark, Kallie McConnell, Kandace Davenport, Kyle Davenport, Lori Perry, along with numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and friends made along the way. 

Merle’s spirit and unwavering dedication to her family and community will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

 A graveside service will be held at the Davenport Cemetery on Highway 83 N on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Uvalde Memorial Hospital, Hospice (1025 Garner Field Rd, Uvalde, TX 78801) or Reagan Wells Baptist Church (8415 RM-1051, Uvalde, TX 78801).