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Lemmie Wilson Davenport, 82, of Franklin, NC, formerly of Scranton, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, December 22, 2022.

Lemmie was born in Belhaven on July 30, 1940, to the late Redden Wilson and Eliza Ann Cutrell Davenport. On December 27, 1961, Lemmie married the love of his life, his wife of over 53 years, the former Rebecca “Becky” Sue Sawyer, who preceded him in death on March 22, 2015. In addition to his parents and wife, Lemmie is also preceded in death by his daughter: Susan “Susie” Davenport Gray; two half-brothers and sisters-in-law: William (Ida) Davenport and Joel (Lena) Davenport; a half-sister and brothers-in-law: Levora “Lee” (John) Stillman (Cliff) Witte; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Harry (Myrtle) Sawyer, Sr.; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Agnes (Bill) Gibbs, Richard (Nell) Sawyer, Kim Davenport, and Alice Davenport; several uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins; maternal grandmother and step-grandfather: Elizabeth “Lizzie” and James “Jim” Cuthrell; and dear friend: Capt. Masceo Daniels.

Lemmie lived an exciting youth in Belhaven, often reminiscing upon his Belhaven days. He moved to Hyde County after marrying his wife, Becky. Lemmie committed his life to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in his early 30s. He enjoyed the Holy Bible and preaching its word, becoming an Ordained Minister later in life. Lemmie worked as a chef on a tugboat, which his dear friend, Capt. Masceo captained. He also worked as an upholsterer at Harris Furniture and Upholstery in Belhaven.

Lemmie is survived by his caretaker and wife’s relative, Horace “AJ” Braswell I of Franklin, NC; his daughter: Donna Davenport Hardy; two grandchildren: April Armstrong and Ira May “Jesse” Hardy IV; two great-grandchildren: Victoria Madison (Carter Comer) Armstrong and Landon Quidley; his brother: David Davenport, Sr.; son-in-law: James “Danny” Gray; brothers- in-law and sisters-in-law: Shelby (Willie) Williams, Harry (Sandra) Sawyer, Jr., Linda (Bud) Modlin, Sandra (Ted) Brooks, George (Miriam) Sawyer, and Myrtle (Tommy) Kirk; dear Hyde County friend: Dewey (Becky) Sawyer; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date in the Beulah Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Scranton.