Laura Davenport Schneider, whose 91 glorious years were spent spreading love and creating joy, died peacefully on October 3, 2018, in Memphis, Tenn., surrounded by her beloved family. She is proof that even a long life, well-lived, will seem far too short.
The daughter of Ruth Vernon and James E. Davenport, Laura was born March 13, 1927, in Valleyhead, Alabama.
She was a remarkable combination – somehow managing to balance being the smartest person in the room while remaining the kindest. The former trait led to a successful business career as a pioneering woman banker; the latter made her a beloved member of every community.
Along the way, she married the love of her life, Charles Robert Schneider, and had four (semi-) perfect children and a Volkswagen Beetle.
When she was widowed in her forties, she willingly accepted the role of matriarch, nurturer, and problem-solver-in-chief. She was a prayer warrior and cherished her faith community at Tyner United Methodist Church, serving on the Board, as a Circle Leader, and as a part of the “CareBears” Ministry.
But perhaps her favorite role was as Grandmother Laura, Nana, or, as her grandchildren affectionately named her, Grandma Chicken. She made the best fried chicken in the world, loved to drive fast, and had a phenomenal, homing-pigeon like sense of direction.
Laura played a mean game of bridge, taught her grandchildren how to hit a baseball, and made sure they all believed in magic. She hugged people the first time she met them. If she knew you, she loved you, and always saw you as the best version of yourself.
The world was a better, kinder place with her in it, and her belief in all things good will continue to impact her loved ones for generations to come. We are all better thanks to her goodness, grace and her own touch of magic – with a side of fried chicken.
She is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Charles Robert Schneider, Sr.; her son-in-law, Larry K. Ledford, Sr.; and her brother, as well as a host of aunts, uncles and extended family members.
She is survived by her daughters, Sherrie Ledford; Patty McManus; Susan (Tom) Stephenson; and her son, Chuck Schneider; her grandchildren, Ken (Jenni) Ledford; Laura (Chris) Wait; Courtney (fiancé Rob Hofmann) Ledford; Todd (Kathryn) McManus; Haley (Paula) Annable; Tommy (Katie) Stephenson; Katie (Grant) McDermott; Meg (Austin) Burress; and Myah Arnold; and her great grandchildren Tripp Ledford; Ethan Wait; Maddy and Marin McManus; and Thomas Stephenson; and a group of especially dear cousins.
The family would like to offer a special thank you to the many caregivers who provided Laura with love, comfort and support in her final days.
Special thanks especially to Lauren Lawson, Sandra Loggins, Ruby Mosby, Tasha Smith, Andrea Walker and the remarkable staff at Methodist Hospice Residence.
Services will be Saturday, October 6 at Tyner United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., with services following immediately at 1:30 p.m.
Memorials may be sent to Tyner United Methodist Church in Chattanooga, Tenn., or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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