DeLys Davenport Robinson

DeLys Davenport LeVan Robinson, a resident of Signal Mountain for over 60 years, passed away on April 27, 2020. DeLys was born in Brookhaven, MS, on July 29, 1926, to Leonard Davenport and Josie Delle Storm. She spent her early years in Big Spring, TX, and moved to Augusta, GA as a teenager. DeLys attended Chattanooga High School for her senior year. She graduated from the University of Tennessee, and was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. During college she was courted by her loving husband–to-be, J.B. “Honey” LeVan. Following J.B.’s death, DeLys married Bill Robinson. They were both fond of traveling and took many wonderful trips together. She also valued her relationship with his three daughters.

Lyse, as her grandchildren fondly knew her, was a devoted mother and grandmother. Family was very important to DeLys, and she was instrumental in family reunions and traditions. As a longtime member of St. Timothy’s church, she was active in her church and community. Friendships came easily for DeLys. She was a member of numerous bridge clubs, Nifty Nomads, a day outing group, and a Monday lunch group. She also had a love for antiquing with friends.

DeLys is survived by her daughters Sara LeVan Tamboli (Bill) of Macon, GA, Janet LeVan Mattice (Sandy), son James B. LeVan III, of Atlanta, GA, and step-daughters Nancy Robinson Pruitt (Lynn), and Debbie Robinson Johnson (Bob). She will be remembered by her grandchildren: Beth Tamboli Diersen (Eric), Gina Tamboli Towson (Jim), Sandy Mattice (Andrea), Bryan Mattice, Kevin Mattice (Rory), and Marc LeVan, as well as her step-grandchildren: Sean McNally, Jesse Robinson, Will Robinson, Jeremy Johnson, Jacob Johnson, Anna Johnson Devlin, Benjamin Pruitt and Annie Pruitt. She will also be remembered by fourteen great-grandchildren, and her nieces: Mary Ann Butler, Laura Glassell, and Peggy Bouchard.

DeLys was preceded in death by her husbands James B. LeVan Jr. (30 years) and William Robinson (23 years), sister Lynn Davenport Herdy, daughter-in-law Anne LeVan, grandchildren Elise LeVan and Tony Tamboli, and step-daughter Gail Robinson.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to: St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 630 Mississippi Ave, Signal Mountain, TN 37377; Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37416; or Metropolitan Ministries of Chattanooga, 1112 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404.

A celebration of DeLys’ life will be held at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, and will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Hwy. 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com.