Martha Ann McKee Davenport, age 94, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, at her home of 75 years surrounded by loving and devoted family.
A graveside service officiated by Reverend Bob Vassar will be held for family on Monday, July 27 at 1:00PM at Polk Memorial Gardens.
Born on August 21, 1931 to Max McKee and Ruby Gaskell McKee, Martha grew up at Gaskill Branch in Santa Fe, where she played on the high school basketball team and played the piano.
When working as a waitress, Martha made the acquaintance of a handsome cook, James Carlton Davenport of Pulaski. They quickly fell in love and married months after their initial connection.
With Carlton, Martha went on to have a beautiful family of children: Carolyn Cothron, Nancy Harvell, James (Jim) Davenport, and Joey Davenport.
Her family was always at the top of her mind. With a, “Don’t worry about me, I’m alright,” she would be quick to call, worried over her loved ones’ various ailments, from common aches and colds to the occasional motorcycle accident.
Even at 94, Martha’s impeccable memory was renowned for recalling her lengthy family tree’s birthdays, anniversaries, and significant life events. She acted as the family’s historian; she was always consulted as the best authority over who did what, where they did it, what time it happened, and why it happened to begin with.
She was proceeded in death by her husband of 74 years James Carlton Davenport, as well as her brother Frank McKee, sister Mary Elizabeth Halloway, and her parents Max and Ruby McKee.
Martha Ann is survived by her brother Earl McKee, her daughters Carolyn (Tony) Cothron and Nancy Harvell, her sons Jim (Lori) Davenport and Joey (Rhonda) Davenport, her grandchildren Shannon (Chase) Dearman, Natalie (Reggie) Perkins, Taylor Harvell, Wes Davenport, Whitney (Brad) Cochran, Will (Kyoko) Davenport, Mackenzie (Jared) Davenport-Baisden, Keaton Davenport and Baylea Davenport, as well as six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Joey Davenport, Keaton Davenport, Wes Davenport, Will Davenport, Ken McKee, and David Wayne Holloway.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Davenport, Tony Cothron, and all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Melinda Hodge, whose loving care, unwavering friendship, and faithful devotion brought comfort, joy, and companionship to Martha throughout her later years. More than a caregiver, Melinda became one of Martha’s dearest friends, and her kindness, compassion, and selfless love will forever hold a special place in our family’s hearts.
