Doris Juanita Davenport is the first born daughter of Ethel Mae Gibson (daughter of John and Elvira Smalls Gibson) and Claude Judson Davenport, Jr. (grandson of Arthur and Maggie Wright) - and Big Sister to Dolores, Sandra, Maggie, Tanya, Audrey and Anthony.
From an early age, she was a lover of reading, learning and imparting knowledge. She became our beloved educator/nurturer, poet, writer and performance artist. The following autobiographical sketch was taken from her last book, “testimony: poems, proclamations, potions.” (Available on Amazon.) “Pronouns: person / per - a visionary working class / philosophical anarchist, 75-year-old sapiosexual Lesbian-Feminist / LGBTQ+ Nation & Alternate ROOTS member (20+ years); writer, performance poet, educator & independent scholar; born and raised in traditional Cherokee Homelands (euro-colonized Northeast Georgia). I have published 13 books of poetry (several available on Amazon & Kindle). I constantly, continually, adamantly work to end all forms of oppression, towards truth & honesty - based egalitarian, inclusive and *magical* realities. Education: BA, Paine College, Augusta, GA; MA SUNY/Buffalo, NY; PhD, Univ. of Southern California. I have taught literature and composition at numerous colleges & universities; published reviews, articles, essays, and books of poetry; have been an Avon lady, a bartender, editor, a “Kelly Girl”, and a librarian; have done more than 120 poetry performances, collaborations and workshops. (And a dancer and a photographer.)
Doris was born in Gainesville, GA (January 29, 1949) and delivered by Dr. E.E. Butler. The family lived on Collins Street and spent lots of time with paternal, great grandparents ‘Granny and Grandpa’ - in Newtown. She attended Fair Street Elementary school for first and second grades after which, the family moved to Cornelia to the house of maternal grandparents, 'Mevie and Daddy John' at 103 Soque Street, at the foot of the Hill. The Hill was the neighborhood that formed the roots from which her love of people and community, artistic expression and pure love of life sprang. She attended Cornelia Regional [Colored] School where she skipped a grade in elementary as well as grade 12. She started Paine College at 16, graduated with an English BA and honors, then an MA in English from the State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo, and a PhD in English literature from the University of Southern California (USC). She returned to her beloved Northeast Georgia to retire. After a relatively short, but aggressive struggle with a diseased liver, Doris joined the Ancestors on December 2, 2024. Dr. Doris Davenport shared freely of her vast expertise, artistry, knowledge and skills. In addition to her family, she leaves a vast network of ‘spirit dawtahs,’ sister-friends and colleagues who will always cherish her time on this earth. Services/Memorial As per her wishes, her remains will be scattered “in the traditional Cherokee Homelands, euro-colonized Northeast Georgia” on Tower (Chenocetah) Mountain and Mt. Yonah.
A celebration in her honor will be held at a later date, details will be shared on Facebook. Instead of flowers and gifts we ask that contributions in honor of Dr. doris Davenport be made to the Audrey Davenport Endowed Scholarship at Piedmont University. Mail contributions: Piedmont University, Audrey Davenport (Student) Scholarship University Advancement Department, P.O. Box 10, Demorest, GA 30535 For online contributions: Contact University Advancement Department at [email protected] for details. Please accept our heartfelt thanks for your comments, the memories that you shared and any contributions to continuing her work and legacy.
With deepest gratitude, The Davenport Family Please forward all memorial gifts to Piedmont University as listed above.
Professional Services Entrusted to Wimberly Funeral Home.
