CELEBRATION OF LIFE . Saturday, August 29, 2020 , 1:00PM Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home . Scottdale, Georgia
Dr. Charnelle Rashun Davenport has been a beacon of inspiration since she arrived on January 17, 1987. Born the youngest of two girls to Ray and Cathey Davenport, Charnelle encompassed life, love and the pursuit of every young person’s ambition and accomplishment. Charnelle was reared in the foundation of Jesus Christ and gave her life to the Lord at the tender age of six years old. She was baptized by the Reverend Jerry D. Black at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, where she held lifetime membership. Throughout her life, she served in various ministries including the InStep Ministry, the Candy Stripers Ministry, the Tom Carlton Choir, Women’s Ministry and the FRESH Young Adult Ministry. She also had a heart for teaching and for many years, she served as a High School Vacation Bible School Teacher. Charnelle’s faith shaped her and allowed her to walk in her purpose in life. As a young child, Charnelle excelled in academics. Inheriting a love of numbers from her father, she developed an affinity for math at a young age. She was educated in the Dekalb County School System and graduated as class salutatorian from Cedar Grove High School. From there, she attended the University of Georgia where she obtained a dual degree in Mathematics and Math Education. She gained momentum, furthering her education to obtain a Masters of Education from the University of Georgia. After beginning her career, Charnelle would go back to school and earn her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Charnelle was focused and she was committed to the cause of education. Upon her successful completion of study at the University of Georgia, Charnelle would return to Decatur, Georgia and to the school system that provided her foundation. She became a high school math teacher at Dr. Ronald E. McNair High School at the age of twenty-three. As the natural born leader she was, she quickly ascended, serving as Department Chair of the Math Department after only two years and being voted Teacher of the Year by her colleagues after only four years. After only five years in the field of education, Charnelle became the Assistant Principal of Instruction at McNair and in this position, she was able to oversee the academic framework of the school. Charnelle was meticulous and as an administrator, she was an advocate for ensuring that the faculty and student body not only meet their goals, but exceed their goals. As a member of the administrative team, she helped McNair High School reach milestones that they had not met in many years prior. As one of the youngest assistant principals in Dekalb County, she was admired and her expertise was often sought by other district officials. In 2018, she was honored as Regional 5 Educational Support Person of the Year II for Dekalb County. In addition to her accomplishments in the classroom and in administration, Charnelle was instrumental in ensuring that Commencement Exercises were a celebratory time for the McNair High School Family. Charnelle loved the McNair Mustangs and her reach far extended that of her job description.
Charnelle was known as “Davenport” by her colleagues and “Dr. DP” by her students, but it was known by all that there were no limits when it came to her love for educating the masses or serving the needs of the Mustang family or Dekalb County community. Charnelle’s passion was evident and her heart overflowed with a desire to ensure that everyone arrived at the finish line. Charnelle was an administrator, a teacher, a tutor, a mentor and a friend. She served with a heart of gladness and while her daily presence will be missed, it is her heart that will be treasured for years to come. Charnelle had a love for good music- especially Beyonce, good chickenespecially hot wings, and good shoes- especially Jordans. One could say she had a particular palette for most things, but her specificity is what made her unique. Charnelle was rooted in a foundation of Jesus Christ and in familial love. Ray, Cathey, April and Charnelle have been a staple to all who know them. If you know one, you certainly know the other. It is this firm foundation from which Charnelle was able to grow. From summer vacations to family dinners to long drives to the countryside to dressing alike (this is no secret) to an incredible support system, the Davenports live and love with intention. This fact is evident in who Charnelle is, who she was and who her memory will forever be. From her friends to her school community to her family to her God, Charnelle loved deeply. For thirty-three years, there have been so many who have been beneficiaries of that love. Her presence will forever be missed; but her love will always remain. Charnelle’s purpose is complete, yet her spirit rests in those who continue to walk in theirs- her loving parents, Mr. Ray and Mrs. Cathey Davenport; her only sister, Ms. April Davenport; her devoted aunts, Mrs. Annie Edwards, Mrs. Annette (Robert) Brown, Mrs. Julia (Willie) Edwards, Ms. Shelia Dillard, Mrs. Louise (Dennis) Williams, and Mrs. Debra (Horace) Moss, Ms. Brenda Huff and Ms. Dorothy Bonds; her loyal uncles, Mr. Morris Smith, Mr. Charlie (Margie) Smith, Mr. Eddie (Eloise) Smith, and Mr. Ulysses (Sharon) Smith; her Godmother, Mrs. Lillian Thompson; a host of first cousins who are more like brothers and sisters); a network of close friends; the Beulah Missionary Baptist Church family; the McNair High School family; and a conglomerate of people who loved her in return.
I lived, I loved... Charnelle
Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Order of Service Musical Prelude
Mr. Earnest “Chip” Norman
Reading of the Scripture Old Testament
Reverend Mark A. Seals Minister of Christian Education Beulah Missionary Baptist Church Decatur, Georgia
New Testament
Reverend James W. Goolsby, Jr. Pastor, First Baptist Church of Macon Macon, Georgia
Prayer
Reverend Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr. Pastor, Fellowship Chicago Chicago, Illinois
A Tribute of Remembrance
A Tribute of Reflection
A Song of Celebration
“Going Up Yonder” Walter Hawkins Ms. Jennifer Myles, Soloist
Words of Comfort
Reverend Jerry D. Black Pastor, Beulah Missionary Baptist Church Decatur, Georgia
The Benediction
Reverend Jerry D. Black Pastor, Beulah Missionary Baptist Church Decatur, Georgia
The words in the English language are at times endless; however, at times they are also insufficient. Your prayers, your support, your love and your presence have been the calm in the storm and the wind beneath our wings. God’s love has been evident in your love toward us and our prayer is that you are restored for every blessing you have poured out to us. To the McNair High School Family- Thank you for your dedication to learning and for your commitment to the legacy of Dr. Charnelle Davenport. May you succeed in the mission of educating the future. To Dr. Gregory Lunceford and the AIMPC Staff- Thank you for your care of Charnelle. May you continue in your quest to serve those who battle with mental illness. To Pastor Jerry D. Black and the Beulah Missionary Baptist Church Family- Thank you for nurturing the spirit of Charnelle and providing a firm foundation for which she could stand. May you continue to help the body of Christ get where God wants them to be. To Our Family- Thank you. For every program you supported, every birthday party you attended, every cheer you rendered, every prayer you prayed and every expression of love you showed- thank you. May you always remember to live, laugh and love. To Everyone- May your hearts be saturated in the everlasting love of God.
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Davenport Ms. April Davenport
Program designed in loving memory of our dear sister, Nelle, by Papered Wonders, Inc.