Oleta Marie Davenport

Oleta Marie Davenport (née Jones), a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away on September 14, 2023, in New Braunfels, Texas. Born on November 3, 1929, in Bakersfield, California, Oleta was the daughter of Robert Hardy Jones and Mary Ollie Jones (née Reddoch) and was one of ten siblings. On December 10, 1949, she married her true love, Will Davenport, in Deming, New Mexico, and their love endured for an incredible 73 years. Together, they raised six children.

Oleta was a steadfast woman of God, who demonstrated throughout her entire life her devotion, loving kindness, generosity, and hospitality. A self-taught pianist, she could play traditional hymns so beautifully, and her entire family loved to hear her play. Oleta was also a gifted artist, exploring various mediums, but she was best known for her lovely oil paintings that captured the beauty of the Texas hill country during springtime, particularly when bluebonnets were in full bloom.

Oleta found her greatest joy surrounded by her loved ones, especially the little ones. She spoiled her family with her delicious down-home cooking, creating cherished memories around the dinner table and at family gatherings. Oleta's husband, Will, and her sons, Barry Davenport and Jeffrey Davenport, as well as her grandson, Travis Davenport, and great-grandson, Michael Summers III, preceded her in death. She is survived by her children Karen Park, Bradley Davenport, Susan Summers, and David Davenport, as well as her siblings Dorothy Hakes, Jacqueline Joe Wagner, Barbara Wade, Lottie Redmon, Ginger Taylor, and John Jones. Oleta was a loving grandmother, affectionately known as "Mimi," to 18 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Oleta had a life-long commitment to helping those in need. Her practicality, common sense, numerous talents and loving nature were a blessing to those around her. She had a special sparkle when she smiled that revealed her vitality. And like a diamond, she had many facets, so much so that possibly no single person could ever fully experience the totality of her beauty. She was so dearly loved, and her absence will be profoundly felt by her family, friends, and community.

A memorial service to celebrate Oleta's remarkable life will be held on Saturday, September 23rd, at 10:00 am at the Prayer Chapel at Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas.