Obituary of Martha Manning Davenport

Martha Manning Davenport, age 88, died after several years of declining health on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at UNC Hospice in Pittsboro, NC. Martha was born in Plymouth, NC to the late James Roy Manning, Sr. and Sarah Chesson Manning. She was preceded in her death by her husband, Edwin W. Tenney, Jr. of Chapel Hill, NC; daughter, Janet Blair Davenport, of Greenville, NC; and brother, James Roy Manning, Jr., of Morehead City, NC. Martha attended Greensboro College and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1949 where she had been a majorette for the UNC Marching Band. She was a Ram's Club member and an avid supporter of the UNC Men's Basketball team for many years. Martha raised her family and spent many years in Farmville, NC and later relocated to Chapel Hill, NC where she resided at The Cedars of Chapel Hill. Martha's indomitable will to live and courage was an inspiration to all who knew her. She showed to all a love of family throughout her life. Despite severe chronic pain, she never lost her bright smile and sunny disposition. She fought a courageous fight and finished with dignity and grace. She will always live in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be greatly missed. Martha is survived by her son, David E. Davenport, Raleigh, NC; daughter, Linda Davenport (Larry Brewer) Dripping Springs, Texas; grandson, John R. Davenport, Wrightsville Beach, NC; granddaughter, Laura E. Davenport, great granddaughter, Alexandra Davenport, both of Hillsborough, NC; stepchildren, Juliann Tenney and Mark Tenney, Chapel Hill, NC; former husband and good friend, Ed Davenport, Farmville, NC; niece, Carol Walston, Wilmington, NC and many loving caretakers and medical professionals, particularly Freda Thompson with whom Martha had a special bond for eight years. A celebration of Martha's life will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2017 from 3:00 - 5:00 at the Cedars of Chapel Hill clubhouse ballroom. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the North Carolina Botanical Garden, The University of North Carolina, Campus Box 3375, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3375.