Johnnie Buford Davenport

Johnnie Buford Davenport, age 94, gracefully departed this world for her eternal home in Heaven on Thursday, March 14, 2024. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend.

Preceded in death by parents, Robert Buford Sr. and Lessie Buford;  sisters, Juanita Womble, Georgia, Edna, Velma, and Bobbie Buford; brothers, Robert Buford of Tucson, AZ and Robert Buford of Cartersville, GA; grandson, Darin Snapp Sr; nieces, Shirley Smith, Sylvia Christine Martin, Sandra and Camilla Womble; nephews, Gregory, Gerald, Jerry, and Ronald Buford. 

Johnnie lived a full and beautiful life. In her early days, she was a fashion model. She spent many years as the bookkeeper and sales clerk at the Smart Shop in downtown Knoxville. Johnnie traveled extensively. Johnnie also worked with children at Christenberry Recreation Center After-School Program. She loved jigsaw and word-find puzzles and enjoyed planning family gatherings to which she invited many of her friends. A long-time devoted member of Mattie E. Coleman Memorial CME Church, Johnnie truly loved her church family. She faithfully served on the Stewardess Board, as a Missionary, Trustee, and bookkeeper. Those around Johnnie were always blessed by her sweet and gentle spirit, caring heart, joy, goodness, and grace. Fondly known for her famous Seven-Up cakes, she was happy to love you with a cake. Johnnie gave special meaning to the many lives she touched because she understood that simple kindness shared meant so much. She was a priceless gift to her family, church, and friends. Her special place in this world was one that God created her to fill. She was “God’s handiwork” (Ephesians 2:10), and she did it beautifully. 

She leaves to forever cherish her memory, devoted son and caregiver, Odell Buford; former husband, Claude Davenport; former sister-in-law, Wanda Davenport; grandchildren, Juan DeWayne Hall and Demourie Franklin; great grandchildren, Starr Allen, Darin Snapp Jr., Destiny Snapp, Annie Franklin, Allison Franklin, and Jade Whitmore; Godson, Travis Thompson; nieces, Jo Ann Buford, Linda Thomas, Brenda Lamar, Cheryl Buford, Jackqueline (Vincent) Clark, Johanna Buford, Sharon (Larry) Robinson, Belinda Womble, Dawn Buford, and Linda Joe Tandel; nephews, Ernest Buford, Kenneth Buford, Sherman (Rose) Buford, Dexter Buford, Charles (Sherree) Buford, and Bernard Buford; a host of great-nieces, and great-nephews; other relatives and friends to include devoted cousins, Virgina Riley and Tennie Heard; special friends, Esther Franklin, Patricia Butler, Linda Freeman, Daria Snapp Johnson, Joyce Harper McCoy, Jewell Rogers, Wilma and Wendy Stacy, Chary Maud Thompson, Joyce Porterfield, Shirley Lundy, Beverly McDuffy, Ingra Smith, Lillie Wimbley, Marilyn Sanders, Lilia Norries, Sylvia Banks, Patricia Turman, Reverend Cassandra Weakley, Minister Marilyn Hamilton, and Minister Therman Kennebrew.

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