Geraldine "Jeri" Davenport, 84, passed peacefully on Friday, April 28, 2023 at home. Her wife and partner of 44 years, Janet Tyler, and sister-in-law, Carol Vernava were at her side, as well as her Boston Terriers, Poppy and Piper.
Born in Kirksville, Missouri, Jeri attended Jefferson City High School, followed by five years at the University of Missouri, where she earned a BS in Sociology and a MS in Counseling and Student Personnel Services. She was a member of Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Sorority, and MoMaids Synchronized Swimming Team.
Jeri went on to have a long 42 year career as a Girl Scouts of the USA administrator for Heart of Missouri Girl Scout Council and Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast, during which time she was honored with the highest of the GSUSA awards for adults' outstanding service as well as a national recognition given by the Association of Girl Scout Executive Staff (AGSES) who initiated her into their Hall of Fame.
She volunteered in various capacities at her church and loved traveling in the U.S. and abroad with Jan and friends. Always comfortable and challenged by the out of doors and water activities; her very full and active life included being an avid gardener and cook, teaching Red Cross swimming lessons, whitewater canoeing on rivers in Southern Missouri, float trips with friends on lakes and rivers, and slalom skiing on any body of water that beckoned her.
Jeri was preceded in death by her father and mother, John L. and Geraldine Davenport; and her brother, Captain Robert D. Davenport, USAF. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Jane Wiley (Jim); nephew, Charles Michael Summers (Celeste); great-nephew, Carson and great-niece, Savannah; and cousins, Elaine Christensen (Bob), Dyanne DeGrasse (Dave) and Patricia Hartwig.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Grace United Methodist Church with a reception to follow. Interment will take place at a later date in Jefferson City, Missouri. Donations in Jeri's memory may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 1209 Country Club Drive, Newport News, VA 23606, or to the Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast, 912 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Arrangements by Weymouth Funeral Home.
Jeri and her indomitable spirit will be missed by all who knew her.
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Sponsored by Weymouth Funeral Home.
6 Entries
Jan, I am so very sorry to hear about Jeri. I would have delivered my condolences personally had I been in town. Sending prayers for comfort as you grieve.
Penny Spease
Friend
May 22, 2023
So sorry to hear of Jeri´s passing! She was an amazing person and loved by all!! Enjoyed working with Jeri and Jan at GSCCC!! Praying for the family!
Stephanie Fields
Work
May 18, 2023
Jeri was a wonderful volunteer in girl scouts. I can remember her cheerful smile and was a true friend to everyone. Jan, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending a big hug!
Kay Byrd
Friend
May 18, 2023
Thank you Lori.
Thank you Alex
Jan Tyler
May 4, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Lori Steinhau
Work
May 3, 2023
Whether at softball games or walking with Jan and their two babies in the neighborhood, she would have that smile you could see from afar...her heart was kind,her smile infectious, and her love of family and friends was enormous...our deepest condolences to Jan and all family members for the loss of our beautiful friend..
Jennie alexander and buck smith
Friend
May 2, 2023
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