Barbara A. Davenport

Barbara Ann Davenport, aged 86, of 259 Dewey Place, peacefully passed away on February 16, 2024, surrounded by loved ones, after a difficult battle with cancer. Born on May 2, 1938, to Archie and Obeata Hausley in Bonlee, North Carolina, Barbara's life was a testament to love, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to family and friends. Growing up in Bonlee, Barbara cherished her time with her many cousins, often sharing fond memories of her adventures with Shelly and Allan. She attended Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina, when she met the love of her life, Heyward B. Davenport, during a summer in Atlantic City, NJ. Their love story led them to New York City, and eventually to Teaneck, New Jersey, where they raised their four daughters, Debbie, Lauren, Doris, and Miriam. Barbara’s professional journey was as impactful as her personal one. As a teacher’s aide, she was loved by her students and colleagues throughout all the schools she worked at under Bergen County Special Services, where she developed lifelong friends. Her nurturing spirit, combined with her sharp wit and steadfast resolve, left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Barbara’s life was rich with love and joy – her friendships were deep and loyal. Barbara’s special friends, including Joseline Gore, her best and oldest friend since the early days in New York City—by her side through thick and thin, Cynthia Robinson, whom she first met over 50 years ago and Kathleen Gonzalez, who she met when they worked together at Spring Street and carried their friendship through the Brownstone School and retirement. These friends visited Barbara nearly every week when she was ill and who called her regularly were like family to her. They shared countless memories filled with laughter and good times. Barbara had a unique talent for bringing people together, hosting celebrations that made everyone feel cherished. She expressed her love by cooking for family and friends, and always ensuring that her family and friends were well-fed and happy. Shopping trips with her friends were always an adventure. Barbara’s personality was a delightful blend of generosity, spontaneity, and humor. Her contagious laugh could light up any room, yet she was never afraid to put someone in their place, her expressive gestures leaving no room for doubt. She loved watching basketball, cheering for every great play on both sides of the court, reminiscent of her high school and college years of playing. Barbara was even known to crash a game at Votee Park! Barbara was a devoted Bingo player and enjoyed checkers and word games. No recreational program for seniors was complete without a good Bingo game. A true matriarch, Barbara’s greatest joys came from watching her children and grandchildren develop into honest, smart, and gracious human beings. Barbara’s daughters remember their Mom always having a meal ready for them no matter what time they came in. She made sure they were well fed and enjoyed what they ate. She called her daughters every night, well into their adulthood, to make sure they were home safe at night. Barbara made it her business to know the desires of her daughters’ hearts so she could find a way to contribute. She gave them extra money for holidays, birthdays, traveling and gas, and just because. The Davenport girls loved hearing their Mom brag about their accomplishments and no matter how old they were, she never let them leave without a little something in their pockets. She instilled high academic and cultural expectations in her daughters, nurturing their love for the arts & culture. During her last two years her greatest joy was watching her great-grandson grow. The moment the door opened, he would squeal with delight and run into her welcoming arms. Barbara’s love extended to her cherished cockatoo, Ryan, which brought her immense joy, often flying onto her shoulder for a gentle kiss. Heyward and Barbara shared an extraordinary journey of love and commitment over their 65 years of marriage, navigating the peaks and valleys of life together. As a young couple, out on the town, people would often stop and stare. She had an impeccable sense of style – always dressed to the nines with manicured nails and perfectly styled naturally red hair and a face filled with freckles. Heyward remained devoted to Barbara throughout her life, keeping his promise to her father to always take good care of her. Heyward did not know a weekend without one of Barbara’s written or spoken “Honey Do” lists. Their partnership was testament to enduring commitment as they raised their four beautiful children, who brought immense pride and joy into their lives. As their family grew, Barbara and Heyward embraced the role of doting grandparents to five wonderful grandchildren, Sarah, Joshua, Diana, Chelsey and Jazarah, and eventually they were blessed with a great-grandchild, Charles Atlas. Through every challenge and triumph, their love only deepened, creating a legacy of resilience, warmth, and an unbreakable bond that will continue to inspire for generations to come. Her determination and focus were unmatched, whether in her role as a top saleswoman at Schulman’s clothing store, a beloved teacher’s aide, or a beautician at Lilly’s. In retirement, she continued to embrace life fully, volunteering at the Englewood Performing Arts Center, international cruise trips, gardening and decorating, or spending precious time with her family – Her life was enriched by her passions for local politics, theater, and traveling. Barbara had many sayings that she shared with her girls through the years, like “Y’all gotta talk!”, “Take care of your family”, “Don’t embarrass the family”, “Stick up for your family”, “Shop till you drop”, “Eat your food while its hot”, “Vacuum this room” “Everyone can leave when I am ready to go”, “Bored - read a book”, “Clean this house”, “Don’t tell Daddy I gave you this”, “What do you want me to fix you to eat” and the most famous one, “Cuz I’m Your Momma!”, reflect her values and the love she shared. Her unwavering support, daily phone calls, and generosity, especially during holidays and special moments, will be remembered and cherished by her family. Barbara was pre-deceased by her parents, Archie and Obeata Hausley; siblings, Mildred McCleave, Ruby Abbott, and Joe Hausley. She is survived by her devoted husband Heyward B. Davenport; her children Deborah Moultrie, Lauren Davenport, Miriam Davenport, and Doris Davenport; her grandchildren Sarah Holder, Joshua Reed, Diana Ribeiro, Chelsey Ribeiro, and Jazarah Berry; and her great-grandchild, Charles Atlas Kohout. Barbara Ann Davenport’s legacy is one of love, strength, and joy. She taught her family and friends to cherish every moment, to stand up for their beliefs, she and Heyward taught their children & grandchildren to always put family first. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Barbara A. Davenport

May 2, 1938 - February 16, 2024