M. Kathryn Davenport (White)

Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville announces the death and funeral services for Mrs. Kathryn Davenport, age 88, of Blairsville, who passed away on Saturday morning, July 13, 2013.

Martha Kathryn White was born July 11, 1925 to Ben H. White and Alybel Cash White of Hartwell, Georgia. Growing up in rural Georgia, Kathryn picked cotton, swept sandy yards, and took the mules to water. At the age of 7 she proclaimed her faith and salvation and was baptized by Preacher J.L. Newly at Bib Baptist Church. Her parents always emphasized and encouraged honesty, church and the importance of a good education.Kathryn was graduated from Hart County High School in 1941 and entered in Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville, Georgia, completing a degree of Bachelor of Science in Home Economics with minors in Chemistry and Education. Kathryn was recruited to teach in the Appalachian area by School Superintendent Cooley of Union County. The early summer of 1946, Kathryn came to Blairsville and signed the first contract to begin her teaching career. She boarded at the Milton Hotel and on her first Sunday in Blairsville, she attended the First Baptist Church of Blairsville. Kathryn always said that she loved the church and the Lord's mountains from the very first moment. Early in the spring of 1947, she met Ralph Davenport at the post office and on September 7, 1948, they were married. January 2, 1950, brought the birth of their child, Kathy Dianne. Kathryn and Ralph celebrated 55 years of marriage until his death in March, 2004. Through the years, Kathryn continued to teach both in church and public school. Even though she was busy with The Order of The Eastern Star, Women's Missionary Union, Science Fairs, benefits for school and church, she obtained a second Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master's Degree in Science Education. After 40 years of teaching, Kathryn retired in 1986. She became more active in the Beta Delta Chapter of the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority; became the Clerk of her Church, and sang with The Silver Tones Choir. Kathryn died at home on July 13, 2013. After a long journey of 88 years, let it be said that Kathryn had served her Lord and the children of the Mountains well.

Kathryn leaves behind family members and friends to cherish her memory: daughter, Kathy Dianne Davenport, of Blairsville; sister, Jim Ann Stewart, of Athens, Georgia, and her children, Dallas and Delta; brother, Ben J. White, of Enfield, Connecticut, and his son, Tim; sister-in-law, Patsy Davenport, of Blairsville, and her son, Craig; sister-in-law, Sammy Davenport, of Grayson, Georgia, and her sons, Ron and Dennis; sister-in-law, Leota King, of Blairsville, and her children: Patsy, Carolyn, Shirley, Debra, and Lesia; brother-in-law, S.A. McRimmon, of Laurinburg, North Carolina, and his children, Delia, Archie, Jr., and Patsy; many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Tuesday, July 16, 2013, at 1:00 p.m., in the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville. The family will meet with friends on Tuesday, starting at 10:00 a.m., and lasting until time for the funeral service to start. Burial will be in Union Memory Gardens Cemetery.

If you wish to do so, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Blairsville, P.O. Box 2058, Blairsville, Georgia 30514; or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville. You may share your condolences with the family on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.