Evelyn L. Davenport Smith

Ward Evelyn Long was born on June 20, 1931, in Sarepta, Louisiana, to Watkin Long, father, and Earnesteen Jackson Long, mother. Evelyn accepted Jesus Christ at an early age as the center of her life. She joined Calhoun Chapel Church as a teenager and, after college, united with Revels United Methodist Church upon relocating to Greenville, Mississippi. She was an active member of Revels, serving in various lay ministries until moving to Houston, Texas, in 2012. She joined Champion Forest Baptist Church shortly after the move to Houston.

Evelyn graduated from high school in Benton, Louisiana. She went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Education from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She taught Government/Civics in the Greenville Independent School System in Greenville, Mississippi, for more than 20 years before retiring. During her time as an educator, she completed various continuing education courses at Mississippi State University (Starkville, Mississippi), Delta State University (Cleveland, Mississippi), and Rutgers University (New Brunswick, New Jersey).

Preceding Evelyn in death were her parents and sister, Murry Steen "Jackie" Ware.

Evelyn wedded Dr. Artis McKinley Davenport. To this union, one child was born, Michael Artis Davenport. She later married the Reverend Ezzie Smith, who preceded her in death.

Evelyn leaves to mourn her son, Michael (Lillian); grandson, Stephen Davenport (Kimberly Raghubar); and great-grandsons, Stephen Khiry and Remy Khaden, and great-granddaughter, Ari Kiran. She also leaves to mourn her niece, Scharolette Simpson Robinson; nephew, Jonathan Ware (Shayla); great-nephew, Jordan Robinson; great-niece, Ayana Sanaa Ware; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Nelson and Suzie Smith; stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and step great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.

A celebration of life for Evelyn will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Paradise Funeral Home, Inc, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088.

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