Ethel Melton Davenport

Ethel Melton Davenport, age 93, of Blue Ridge, GA, departed this life on Monday, March 27, 2023, at her home. Ethel was born February 23, 1930, in Blue Ridge, GA to Allen and Nola Melton.  Her father passed away during the construction of Fontana Dam, and at 12 years old she began working to help her mom support the family. She worked many different jobs in town, including cleaning houses, babysitting at The Blue Ridge Hotel and working for a local doctor.

In 1945, she met and married the love of her life, Leamen Davenport, and they spent the next 75 years together. While raising six children on their farm, she grew and preserved food to feed their family, canning hundreds of jars of fruits and vegetables every year. She was a master biscuit maker, and the family believes she made approximately half a million biscuits in her lifetime. Her home cooked meals were one of the highlights of her family and friends.

After spending many years raising her children, she began working outside the home at Levi Strauss, later retiring from American Uniform at age 71.

She was a strong woman, and despite difficulties she succeeded in the two most important things in life: she loved her family and she pointed them to Jesus.

Ethel was preceded in death by her father, Allen Melton; mother, Nola Melton; husband, Leamen Davenport; infant daughter, Doris Davenport; sons Glen Davenport and James Davenport; brothers, Arthur Melton, Troy Melton, and Otis Melton; sisters, Edna Sisum; Eva Burnette and Estie Lee Simonds; daughter-in-law Debra Davenport; sons-in-law Robert Long and Gary Davenport.

She is survived by her daughters, Peggy Long and Aline Davenport; sons, Clinton (Sandra) Davenport and Kennon (Angie) Davenport; daughter-in-law, Betty Watkins Davenport; fifteen grandchildren, forty great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren, and special family friend Deborah Gerard.

The family will receive friends at Henry-Cochran Funeral Home Wednesday, March 29, 2023, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, and Thursday, March 30, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.

Funeral Service: Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Henry-Cochran Funeral Home in Blue Ridge, GA with Rev. Joey Patterson officiating. Music provided by Gina and Adam Davenport, and Rev. Joey and Lindy Patterson. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: John Davenport, Paul Davenport, Matthew Davenport, Adam Davenport, John McClure, and Richard Long. Her grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers. Interment will follow in the O'Zion Cemetery in Blue Ridge, GA.

Cochran Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ethel Davenport; you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.