Agnes Ann Davenport

Agnes was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Francis and Grace (Donahoe) George. She loved to share stories of her childhood growing up in Iowa and life on the farm. Agnes attended and graduated from St. Matthew’s Catholic School in Clare, Iowa, where she remembers meeting the future love of her life, Lawrence “Larry” Davenport, in the 5th grade. After graduation, Agnes attended Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa, studying Liberal Arts for two years.

Agnes and Lawrence reconnected in the summer of 1950. Agnes took a job at the Fort Dodge Laboratories, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, where she worked in the office of the Export Department. Shortly after, Lawrence was drafted into the US Army and sent to participate in the Korean War. They became engaged before his departure.

Agnes and Lawrence were reunited and married in June of 1953. After their marriage, Lawrence continued his service in the military, which took the young couple to Fort Lewis, Washington, where Lawrence received orders to Japan. While awaiting her orders to join Lawrence in Japan, Agnes stayed with family friends in Washington and began work as a bookkeeper for a Christmas tree grower and distributor.

Agnes spent an exciting year in Northern and Southern Japan with Lawrence, where she enjoyed learning about the Japanese culture and exploring. Their next duty station brought them to Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, where they would settle after military life. Agnes had begun working for the Federal Government as a Clerk Typist once in Maryland. Her service to the Federal Government lasted for 30 years until her retirement in 1987 as a Budget Analyst. During this time, Agnes was very active in her community as a mentor. She was also a member of the Glen Burnie Business and Professional Women’s Club. She served in each position during her membership.

Agnes and Lawrence extended their love and opened their home to their future adopted son, Louis, in 1964. Agnes said, “Louie has brought much joy and meaning to our lives.” Over the following years, Agnes and Lawrence would again open their home and provide mentorship and stability to many individuals who would become their extended family. Their love of family and community would be a lasting legacy passed on to multiple generations.

By the end of 1987, Agnes chose to spend her “early retirement years” working again alongside her daughter-in-law, Deborah, in Home Day Care. For 10 years, she assisted daily with the children ages newborn to elementary school age. Two siblings they cared for from infancy have remained in contact with Agnes through the years and she has loved every visit and watching them become adults.

After her second retirement, Agnes took a short break, and in 2007 decided to rejoin the workforce working part-time with Club Demonstration Services at Costo in Columbia, Maryland. She enjoyed sharing funny stories of customer interactions while passing out food samples. In a short time, she was awarded “Sales Advisor of the Month” for outstanding performance in selling 186 boxes of California oranges and 80 bags of Florida oranges in one day! Her favorite Costco story was when a sweet little boy recognized her for having “the best job in the whole world” as she served him M&Ms.

Agnes’s final years were spent in her home under the loving care of her daughter-in-law, Deborah. She shared a special bond with Deborah, and they conquered the world together as widows. She enjoyed afternoons resting with her kitty, Jewel, by her side and welcoming family, neighbors, and friend’s visits.

Agnes was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Lawrence; her son, Louis; sister, Judith; brother-in-law, Roger; brother, James; nephew, David; and loving parents, Francis and Grace George.

Agnes leaves behind daughter-in-law, Deborah; her three granddaughters and their spouses, Janet (Brian), Kathryn (Thomas), Lindsey (Gregory); and her five great-grandchildren who loving called her “Great-Great”, Anthony, Jimmy (Issac), Conner, Laila, and Isabella; along with many very special extended family members.

Agnes was a devout Catholic and the anchor of her family. She will be deeply missed by many. She always made time to sit, talk, and listen. She was quick-witted and had the best laugh when she found something funny and was unable to compose herself. Her Saturday and Sunday night family meals were always a treat! Her Christmas cookies will be sorely missed. Her gentle loving nature was her gift to everyone.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park, Inc. 7250 Washington Blvd., Elkridge, Maryland 21075 (Exit 6 South off Route 100) on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 2:00 - 4:00pm and 6:00 - 8:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church, 7850 Parkside Blvd., Hanover, Maryland 21076 on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 11:00am. An interment Meadowridge Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.garylkaufmanfuneralhome.com for the Davenport family.