Virginia Harrell Davenport died May 27, 2021, at the age of 96.

Mrs. Davenport grew up in Bertie County, NC. She attended business school at Pan American Business College in Richmond, VA. She worked for the C&O Railroad until January 1951, when she and her husband of 60 years, James, were pregnant with their first child. Virginia was an active participant in her community. She was a member of the Altar Guild of St. Stephens Episcopal Church for many years, a member of the Warwick Garden Club, serving in all officer positions over the years. She served as a volunteer at the Riverside Hospital, an active longtime member of the PFAC Auxiliary, and worked at the Mariners Museum gift shop. One could see her walking through the neighborhood soliciting for the Red Cross and many other worthwhile organizations. She loved to travel with her husband, Jim, and walk the beaches (whether in Virginia, North Carolina, Mexico, or other places) collecting beautiful seashells. Her dearest love, next to her family, was her garden. She spent timeless hours caring for her backyard and azaleas. She was a gracious host who enjoyed having parties, especially yard parties when her azaleas were in bloom.

Mrs. Davenport is survived by her daughters Karen Gilliam Davenport, Virginia Davenport Gardner (Stephen W. Gardner) , and son James S. G. Davenport, III.

Please join Virginia’s family for a memorial gathering at the Chesapeake on Friday, June 4th at 11:00 – 12:30pm.. The address is 955 Harpersville Road in Newport News, VA. Please come to the main entrance of the Visitor’s Center, and come to The Chesapeake Room.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Stevens Episcopal Church and/or the southeastern chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.