Obituary – Myrtle Dowdy Davenport

Myrtle Dowdy Davenport, our precious “Grandmother,” passed away peacefully on July 6, 2021 at the age of 98. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hamlett Davenport Sr., whom she was married to for 35 years. She is survived by her sisters, Bernice Coakley of Ashburn, VA and Epsie Patterson of Evington, VA; her son, Hamlett Davenport Jr., and daughter-in-law, Carol “Annie” Davenport; her granddaughters and their spouses, Laura Anderson [Brandon] and Sarah Ligh [Adam]; and four great-grandchildren: Sawyer, Elliott, Harrison, and Drew. Myrtle was born on December 20, 1922 in Prince Edward County. She was the 7th child of James and Nellie Dowdy. She adored her twelve other siblings and helped her mother and daddy on the family farm. After graduating from high school, she moved to Richmond and enrolled in the Massey Business School. Afterwards, she worked for Thalhimers Department Store for a total of 42 years. She will always be remembered for her two loves: gardening and Jesus. She was an avid gardener who shared her vegetables with friends and neighbors. Myrtle loved to spend her days outside tending to her garden. She also loved reading her Bible daily. She helped instill a love for God within her family and friends. We rejoice knowing that she is with her savior Jesus. Friends and family are welcome to celebrate Myrtle’s life at 10:30am on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Bliley’s Funeral Home, 8510 Staples Mill Road in Richmond, VA. Interment will follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Goodwill Baptist Church in Henrico, VA.