Nanette Davenport

After a lifelong struggle against progressive vascular disease, Nanette Gladys Davenport died peacefully at “Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg” of Bethlehem, PA on August 2nd, 2025 at the age of 89 years old. She is predeceased by her husband Wilburn “Pete” Cornelius Davenport and siblings – Edward Callion, Vera Barnes, Ora Brimmer, Alvin Callion, Harvey Callion, and Dorothy Powell.

Born to the late Eddie and Rebecca Callion in Warren, Ohio on November 2nd, 1935, Nanette was one of eight siblings. She received her secondary education at Warren G. Harding High School, and later furthered her education in Social Work.

As a Christian, Nanette utilized faith as life’s compass. She emboldened herself throughout her vascular condition’s progression through scriptures like Philippians 4:13, citing that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me….” She encouraged those around her to empower themselves similarly through adversity in the image of God.

Nanette’s mission to empower extended into her work, where she dedicated herself to advocating for vulnerable groups. She held numerous positions, but her early work as a New York psychiatric hospital support staff worker inspired her career’s settlement into Social Work. Nanette served the State of Michigan for more than 25 years, retiring from her position in 1999.

Nanette aimed to foster a sense of community, shaped by the support of an extensive network of friends and family, She married the late Wilburn “Pete” Cornelius Davenport in 1968. Through this union, daughter Dana Nikole Davenport was born in 1975. Nanette fervently served as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and Aunt. Her memory survives not only through her daughter, but also granddaughter Morgan Philpot; sister Leola Frazier; and many nieces and nephews.

In reverence of Nanette’s wishes and her admiration of scripture Revelations 21:4, citing “...death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain…,”there will be no public services, and she will be laid to rest privately. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Foundation to Advance Vascular Cures by family and friends are appreciated to honor the life of Nanette and her heavenly future exempt from pain.