VELMA DAVENPORT

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Velma M. Davenport, 83, of Sikeston died Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2000, in Sikeston.

She was born Sept. 3, 1917, at Kewanee, Mo., daughter of Claude and Oma Blanche Ready Mays. She and James Davenport were married March 14, 1935, at Sikeston. He died May 6, 1972.

Davenport had worked at International Shoe Co., Sikeston Auction Barn, and IGA Piggly Wiggly. She was a member of First Church of the Nazarene.

Survivors include four daughters, Claudette Holden and Emily Davenport of Springfield, Mo., Sue Davis of Alma, Ill., Fern Moss of Cape Girardeau; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Marvin Butrum officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.