Editor’s Note: This obit ran in a previous issue and has been updated to include new memorial information.
Bandera, Texas – Helen Marie Davenport, 86, died on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the Davenport Ranch in Bandera, Texas. She was born in Wink, Texas on September 30, 1937. She was the daughter of Thelma Louise Kerr and Ellis Parrish.
Helen married Claybourne Booker Davenport on June 17, 1955, in Cuidad Acuna, Mexico. They had 4 children. Claybourne enlisted into the military, and they spent 20+ years of their lives traveling the world as a military family.
Helen is survived by her husband of 69 years, Claybourne Booker Davenport. They have lived at the Davenport Ranch for 40+ years. She leaves behind her 4 children, Boone (Eileen) of Robertsdale, Alabama; SueAnn of Austin, Texas; David of San Antonio, Texas; and Alex (Sarah) of Wilmer, Alabama. She is additionally survived by her grandchildren April and Wesley; Ron and Madison; Brigitte and Danielle; and Matthew. Helen was preceded in death by her entire birth family and her grandson Booker. Booker was known to say this to his Grandma everyday: “Grandma, you’re my favorite person in the whole world.” He even gave his Grandma’s name to his daughter! In addition to her grandchildren, she is survived by her great-grandchildren Coy, Sabrina, Hayes, and Tanner; Elena (Ellie); Lilly Rae and Leonardo (Leon). She also has a great-greatgrandson, Colt.
Helen had many friends scattered all over the world. Many of her close friendships were more than 60 years in the making. She loved a party and was always a willing participant for a dance! Her loss will be a huge miss for all of us. She will have quite the welcoming committee on the other side of life.
There will be a Memorial (a Celebration of life, a Last Hoorah, a Final Farewell) for Claybourne and Helen on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Davenport Ranch. This event will include good food, refreshments, stories, photos, hugs, and probably some tears. You will also see some of those 60+ year friendships! The family asks that you please send an email asap to: [email protected] so they can get an estimated head count of those planning to attend. In lieu of email, you may call 512-289-0096. Additionally, the family asks that you please submit any stories and/or photos to this same email address as they are preparing a slide show for the event. Claybourne and Helen have a family plot at the Bandera Cemetery on the Kerrville Highway; this will be their final resting place.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to the (Bandera Meals on Wheels) Silver Sage at www.silversage.org or you can call (830)7964969. We, the family, thank this organization for putting eyes and a loving touch onto the lives of our parents over the past few years.
