Gloria Davenport

Gloria Helen “Dodie" Davenport (Thompson), age 87, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, in Champlin, Minnesota. Born on March 19, 1938, in Mangum, Oklahoma, Gloria lived a life rich in faith, family, music, and connection with others.

Gloria loved music, her family and friends, and the communities she called home. She had a gift for connection—whether through conversation or melody—and she made everyone feel seen. Her smile was warm and genuine; if you arrived as a stranger, you did not stay one for long.

A proud graduate of Mangum High School’s Class of 1956, Gloria went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the Oklahoma College for Women in 1960. Her passion for music and teaching became the foundation of a remarkable forty-year career as both a public school music teacher (K-12) and a private piano instructor. Gloria taught far more than scales and songs—she taught confidence, self-expression, and belonging. She cherished staying in touch with former students and hearing about their lives.

Beyond the classroom, Gloria continued to share her musical gifts with her church and community. Whether in the choir, at the piano, or organ, she presented not just with skill but with heart. Music was her prayer, her celebration, and her comfort to others.

Gloria’s faith was the quiet force that guided every part of her life. She loved the Lord deeply and naturally, living her beliefs through hospitality, kindness, joyful service, and song. She was active in her church community and found joy in serving others—not through grand gestures but through everyday acts of grace and generosity.

She was a devoted wife to (Pastor) Ron Davenport for almost sixty-one years—a marriage built on love, loyalty, patience, humor, and shared faith. Together, they raised two sons: Robert (wife Shannon) and Donald (wife Shelly), who carry forward her legacy of faith, warmth, and compassion. Gloria was also a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren and a beloved aunt to multiple nieces and nephews.

In her final days, when asked about the purpose of her life by a hospice nurse, Gloria answered without hesitation: “To love and to help others know the love of Jesus.” It was not just an answer—it was how she had lived every day.

May Gloria’s memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire all who were touched by her life. A Memorial Service will be held on January 25, 2026, from 01:00 PM to 02:30 PM at Pathways Community Church, 6341 167th Ave NW, Ramsey, MN 55303. A burial service will take place in Mangum, Oklahoma, at a later date to be determined. In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Feed My Starving Children in Gloria's honor.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ron Davenport; her sister, Margorie (Thompson) Starr; her brother, Donald Thompson; and her parents, Bonnie and ST Thompson; sisters-in-law, Patricia Cravens, and Genevea Wilder; and nephews, Perry Cravens and Randy Starr.