Dr. Chris Gordon Davenport, Sr., a beloved son, father, and grandfather, age 72, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2020 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI. He was born on December 13, 1947 to Theodore and Bernice Davenport, Sr. in Lansing, MI where he was the 4 ^th of 12 children.  His parents stressed the importance of education, discipline, and dedication.  Chris graduated from J.W. Sexton High School. He proudly started on the last J.W. Sexton football team to win a State Championship. He was awarded a basketball scholarship to Moorehead State University in Minnesota. At Moorehead State University, he was a founding member of an interracial fraternity on campus. He later transferred to Michigan State University where he completed his Bachelors degree, Masters, and his PhD.  He was very proud of being able to achieve both graduate degrees in minimal timing!

As a result of his impressive educational credentials, he held various prominent city government positions. He worked for the city of Benton Harbor, Grand Rapids, Flint, and Pontiac. Some of his most proud career roles includes his work in Economic Development in Washington D.C. and his work as a Professor at Penn State University.

He was united in holy matrimony to Beverly Poach in 1969; to this union Chris G. Davenport, Jr. was born. Honored by the institution of marriage for a second time, Chris G. Davenport, Sr. married Pearlene White in 1976; and to this union Marcus G. Davenport was born.

The most essential characteristics of Chris G. Davenport were that he was a devoted son, outstanding provider as a parent, and a loving grandfather. He valued education, economic empowerment, and worked to instill those values in his children and grandchildren. He was an avid reader and had a thirst for being knowledgeable about current politics and global affairs. Many will remember Chris G. Davenport, Sr. as a strong, no nonsense, and militant minded individual; others will remember him as a gentle giant who would do "Anything" for his mother, children, grandchildren, family and friends. After a 6 month battle with multiple health challenges, he made peace with God and transitioned on Good Friday morning.

Chris is preceded in death by his father, Theodore Davenport, Sr. and his older brother Theodore Davenport, Jr.

He leaves to forever treasure his memory, his two sons Chris (Jennifer) Davenport and Marcus (Latresha) Davenport PhD; grandchildren Tripp, Chris III, Camden and Zoey. His mother, Bernice Davenport and his siblings Lawrence Davenport, Sr. EdD;Charles Davenport, JD; Gregory Davenport PhD; Elizabeth Davenport PhD, JD; Deborah Johnson; Sue Branson MSW; Bruce Davenport;Audrey Savage; Mark Davenport; and Mary Davenport.  And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the memorial service will be held on June 12 ^th at 11am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish at 3815 S. Cedar St. Lansing,MI 48910. Interment at 1pm at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens at 4444 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rileyfuneralhome.com