Linda (Davenport) Long

Linda was born July 9, 1947 in Porterville, CA, the daughter of Clinton (Bud) and Hazel (Whitten) Davenport. As part of a proud military family, Linda grew up in California, but also lived in Nebraska, Georgia, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Illinois and Germany. Linda faced many health challenges throughout her life, but always maintained a positive outlook. She was like a second Mom to her younger brothers and was always quick to jump in when either of them got into trouble or were in harm's way. Growing up, she and her cousin Sheila (Morris) Spears were best of friends and were always into adventures at family get-togethers. Linda graduated from the very first graduating class of Grace Davis High School in Modesto and attended San Joaquin Delta Community College in Stockton. It was there she met her lifelong best friend, Nancy Stewart. Nancy eventually became an "adopted" sister of the family.

Linda married briefly at age 21 and lived in Missouri for a time. Linda was very strong in the faith and attended a world renowned Bible College in Baton Rouge, LA. It was there that she met Shannon Smith. They annoyed each other constantly and so became very close. Linda was a friend, mentor, counselor and role model to Shannon (and many others) and they never lost touch. Her time at the Bible College led her to live a life of service to others and a love of those in need.

Linda continued her service to God and others back in California. She became the Youth Director at Evangel Temple in Martinez. It was there she met Beatrice Hansen and became a second mother to her. She loved Beatrice and her children, Rachel and Jacob. Again, another lifelong friendship was forged through the grace of our Lord. Linda was especially close to her cousins Pam, Theresa and Mike. Later in life she befriended a young woman through church named Thai and her young children. Linda was involved with this growing family for some time. She lost touch with Thai in recent years and we are hoping this account of Linda's life finds her.

Linda worked for the Government as a Logistics Manager for over 25 years in Lathrop CA. One of her most challenging and rewarding experiences was being a member of the Grand Jury of San Joaquin County in 1979-80. She served as Secretary and was also Chairperson for the Juvenile Administration of Justice Committee. The Committee's efforts led to the collection of over $4,000,000 (1979 dollars!) in child support monies from "errant parents". Their efforts also led to improvements in the operation of Peterson Hall, a juvenile detention facility.

Throughout her life, Linda always wanted to do and try new things. Having said this, it is easy to see how she may have come to; fly in a helicopter, ride in a military tank, walk the deck of the USS Buckner, participate in a cattle roundup including immunizing, branding, tagging and castrating bulls!!! Linda also took tap, ballet, and ballroom dancing lessons. And as a youth, she picked grapes, cotton and tomatoes. Linda sold Avon products and had a vast collection of beautiful jewelry and other collectables. Elephants and angels were some of her favorite collections. Her travel to Great Britain in 2003, including visits to Stonehenge, Ireland, Scotland and other famous London attractions, was one of her favorite adventures.

It has become clear by now, that Linda loved God, life and loved helping others. Linda never complained during her life of any of her health ailments. She never complained of any setbacks suffered and was quite grateful for all of her countless blessings. Linda's brothers, Steve (wife Betty) and Dave meant the world to her as did her nephew, David (wife Angelina and children Hazel and Mark) and niece Katherine. Another special friend of Linda is Glenda Kermode (Marvin). Glenda was a mentor to Linda as she grew in the faith. A lifelong church goer and volunteer, Linda also took postgraduate Bible classes with her friend Nancy and she and Nancy volunteered folding the weekly bulletins. Linda was truly a child of God. We will miss her dearly and never forget the great contributions she made to all of our lives.

The family would like to recognize and thank a few of the many who have cared for Linda in recent years. Nepth Pacheco, Cherise Hanley RN and Eric from Davita Dialysis were some of her favorites. And sent directly from our Lord is the angel Nancy Stewart (aka Sisty Ugler, inside joke). Nancy was the primary caregiver for Linda in her last years and was her devoted friend and roommate for the last 10+ years of her life. We cannot thank these friends nearly enough to represent our true feelings for them. God bless you all.

Linda is survived by her brothers, Dave Davenport and Steve Davenport (wife Betty), nieces Katherine, Amanda and Kim (Adam), nephews David (Angelina) and Michael. Additionally she is survived by great nieces Hazel, Ella, Olivia, and Eliana and great nephews Mark, Mike and Aiden. Lastly, she is survived by her Aunt Oleta and many, many cousins.

Linda's service will commence at 2 PM, March 16th at the Faith Community Church in Acampo. The address is 18621 CA-99, Acampo, 95220. Refreshments will be served and we encourage attendees to stay and share stories of our dearly departed Linda. She will be interred at Cherokee Memorial Park at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Faith Community Church or to your favorite charity in Linda's name.

The link to her livestream funeral service is: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=twN0OFcmlY8

The link to her website memorial is: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/stockton-ca/linda-long-11670349

(the family welcomes additions of precious memories or stories of Linda to the memorial)