Francien Jacqueline Davenport

Francien Davenport, lovingly called Frankie, was born on Saturday November 17, 1951 in Cleveland, Ohio.  Francien was the eldest of three children born to the proud parents of Amos and Janice Davenport. Frankie grew up with a big family which included a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and both sets of grandparents.

Frankie was baptized and joined Lily Baptist Church at a young age, and was a member of the choir. Frankie attended Sterling Elementary School, Central Junior High School, and she graduated from East Technical High School, home of the mighty Scarabs! 

Frankie was considered a bookworm who was always in a corner reading, so moving on to higher education seemed a natural path for her. After high school Frankie was accepted into Central State University, in Wilberforce, OH, where she studied Liberal Arts for one year. After returning to Cleveland, Frankie proudly earned her Bachelor of Arts in English at Ursuline College. Frankie continued her education while working full time, and through hard work and persistence, she obtained her Masters Degree in English from Cleveland State University.

She began a career at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in the Macro Molecular Science Department, as an Administrative Assistant. After many years of service at CWRU, Frankie left and became a teacher at Life Skills.  When Frankie wasn’t in the classroom teaching, she spent summers as a substitute teacher, around Cleveland Public Schools, such as John Adams, John Hay and John Marshall High Schools.

Frankie was a proud member of The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  This was the crown jewel of her achievements and a game changer. Frankie loved her sorors and was most proud of her niece Jihan Starr when she joined her in sisterhood at Bowling Green State University. Frankie had the privilege and honor of pinning Jihan at her crossing ceremony.

In the midst of getting her education, Frankie joined Providence Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Rodney Maiden and First Lady Henrietta Maiden, which would become the anchor and the foundation of her journey. She was a member of the choir and bible study.  She also served as the New Member Coordinator for the Orientation Committee. Frankie made sure all new members had someone to answer their questions, pray with them and support them on their Christian journey.  

Mark Tandy, her best friend, confidant, body guard and soul mate took his 24 year journey in this life with Frankie. They traveled, went to their favorite restaurants, plays, concerts or just spent time doing nothing. Saturdays were devoted to the gym and working out. When they were not together they were on the phone talking for hours. We are grateful to Mark and hold him in high esteem for his presence, and everything he brought to Frankie’s Life. God Bless him and cover him as he cherishes her loving memory with us.

Frankie was commander-in-chief in our family! Loving on her nieces, nephews, and cousins was her greatest pastime.  Frankie always provided extra care, love and support for her Auntie Cynthia and Uncle Land. She was the glue that held the family together.

Frankie would do whatever we asked of her without question, but it would come with a Sermon! It was just who she was, she just wanted the best for us. We are grateful to her for everything, including being the trailblazer and example for teaching us what is possible. She was the link that held us all together. So join us as we celebrate a life well lived, a blessed spiritual life, full of God, full of learning, teaching, loving and family.   

The heart attack and stroke proved a little too much for a body to handle, so God said Come Home and be with me where you will be healed, held and made whole; Thy Good and Faithful Servant, a Job well done!

Frankie leaves to cherish her memories, Brother Jeffrey Davenport and his daughter Kionne, of Cape Town, SA; Sister Camille Bankston and her son Miles (Arianna) of Oak Park, IL; Nephew Jae Davenport and daughters Jaden, Zarayah and Yanela of Tucson, AZ;  Niece Jihan Starr (Rick), and her daughter Saige of Washington DC.; Nephew Jordan Davenport of Cleveland, Ohio and his Mom Terri Wimms, and a host of loving family and friends.

SERVICES ARE PRIVATE DUE TO COVID-19 PROTOCOLS 50 PERSON CAPACITY. THANK YOU.

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