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.
