Our beloved mother, Minnie Ruth Davenport, passed peacefully away on November 23, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Minnie was a devoted mother, wife, and friend whose love, kindness, and warmth touched all who knew her. She was a dedicated and loving mother, who was always there for her family, offering guidance, support, and unconditional love. She took great pride in her role as a mother and role model creating memories that will forever be cherished by her family and friends. Minnie was born April 24, 1928, to Randolph and Emma Houchins in Pageton, West Virginia. She was raised in Stuart, Virginia with her seven younger siblings until the age of 16 when she left home to attend high school. After high school, Minnie attended West Virginia State University where she received her Bachelor of Education. While in attendance, she also met the love of her life, and future husband Elvin Davenport. They were married for 52 years. Minnie began her career as an educator and remained in the field until the age of 80, first in the juvenile justice system and later with Columbus Public Schools. Minnie's greatest gift was her love of children. While educating adjudicated youth she had the opportunity to support many students in rehabilitating their lives and eventually obtaining high school degrees. Later, Minnie's passion for children with special needs became evident as she entered the Columbus Public schools teaching children with neurodiverse needs. Minnie was also a role model for every young woman she met. Her dedication to formal education and independence for all women positively impacted her sisters, daughter, and friends throughout her life. Preceding her in death were her mother and father Emma and Randolph Houchins, sisters Margaret Raplin and Mary Lundy, brothers, John, Andrew and Phil Houchins, husband and son Elvin and Gregory Davenport. Minnie leaves to celebrate her life, daughter and son in law Dr. Natalie Davenport-Hawkins and Grant Hawkins, sister and brother Betty Lundy and Paul Houchins, granddaughters by love, Imani Peterkin and Naomi Yarbrough, "Texas daughters and son" Pamela Ward, Dr. Yolanda Brooks, Andrea Breedlove, Jann Jackson, Maggie Smith, Larry Lundy and a host of nephews, nieces and friends. A celebration of life will be held on December 5th in Dallas, Texas followed by funeral services in Columbus Ohio on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM Evans Funeral Home 4171 E Livingston Ave. She will be laid to rest at Green Lawn cemetery in Columbus, Ohio with her late husband. Minnie's bright smile, infectious laughter, compassionate spirit, and witty sense of  humor will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her. While our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that her love will live on in all of us and be forever etched in our memories.