Darlene Davenport Jones

Mrs. Darlene Davenport Jones passed away Thursday, April 20, 2023, after several months of declining health resulting from stroke complications. She was 84.

Darlene was born in Fannin County, Georgia, on Tuesday, March 7, 1939. One of six children born to Tate and Essie Davenport, Darlene spent her earliest childhood years in North Georgia before moving to Florida as a teenager with other family members. Even though unknowingly raised only a few miles from him in the Georgia mountains, it was in Florida that Darlene met the love of her life, Ray Jones.

Darlene and Ray were married on April 30, 1960. Slightly more than six years later, the couple welcomed a son, Danny. The family returned to Georgia in 1970, residing in Greensboro until 1992 when Darlene and Ray moved to rural Lumpkin County, near Dahlonega. There, the couple continued working in the hospitality and food service industries until retirement.

Darlene and Ray moved to Cumming, in late 2017, and after the passing of her beloved husband in August 2020, Darlene relocated to Dawsonville, where she resided until a move to a skilled nursing facility, Bell Minor Home in Gainesville, was necessary.

During her retirement years, Darlene was an avid listener and supporter of Southern Gospel music—when she wasn’t doting on her only grandchild. She also pursued a walking routine that brought her immense joy as she regularly exceeded her daily goal of 10,000 steps.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Leeman Davenport, Lewis Davenport, Ernest Davenport, and Herbert Davenport; sister Evelyn Davenport Foster; and husband of more than 60 years, Ray. Because of the promise of heavenly eternal life guaranteed by her acceptance of Jesus Christ as her lord and savior, Darlene has now been reunited with her family.

Darlene is survived by son Danny (Christina) of Cumming, Georgia; grandson Gregory of Somerville, Massachusetts; several nieces and nephews; two granddogs (Shadow and Domino); five grandcats she almost grew to tolerate (Mike, Sully, Tabitha, Patches, and Umbriel); and two great-granddogs (Eli and Zoey).

The family wishes to thank the staff of Bell Minor Home, especially nurses Rebecca, David, Adam, and Moriah. Additionally, Hospice of Northeast Georgia has served the family with consistency, dignity, and respect.

Graveside services will be held Sunday, April 23, 2023, in Dawsonville Memorial Gardens.  Rev. Bill Stacey, Rev. Billy Blackwood, and Brother Roland Kesterson will officiate.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 12 noon until 1:30 at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.

Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.