Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Sarah (Sally) Davenport Cote, 76, of Blacksburg, passed away peacefully and with dignity at home, Tuesday, February 9, 2022.
She was surrounded by her family. She had waged a courageous and hard-fought battle against cancer, including participation in a drug trial that will support future cancer patients.
Born November 8, 1945 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late William Walter Davenport and the late Sarah Jane Ball Davenport. She was preceded in death by her brother, Billy Davenport; and sisters, Dorothy Kinmon, Ruth Blanton, and Margaret Jones.
Mom was known for her sharp mind, quick wit, and loving heart - just a few of the many qualities people admired most about her. When necessary, we all received jabs from that quick wit as she put a stop to any nonsense with just a look and a few words. Mom enjoyed trips to the beach with Dad; she loved the sun and sand, but was afraid of deep water and would only go in up to her knees. Deep water was about the only thing Mom feared as she was always ready to ride a roller coaster, parasail, or go on any other adventure her grandchildren wanted to share with her. She enjoyed all flowers and plants, and enjoyed cultivating her own home garden. She had numerous talents including sewing and crocheting intricate linens and blankets which are family treasures.
In addition to her domestic talents, Mom was also mechanically inclined. Many years of her career were spent working as a set-up supervisor at Kemet Electronics where she could fix machinery as easily as any of the men. She could analyze issues and figure out the best solution before others were aware there was a problem. Her work ethic was second to none. She spent twelve years working a weekend shift while caring for her grandchildren during the week rather than have them in daycare. She loved her grandchildren more than anything in the world; they are blessed to have been so loved by their MawMaw.
One of mom's favorite activities each year was making strawberry jam and canning homemade salsa with her long-time best friend, Geri Page. Mom and Geri had regular shopping and lunch adventures, always ending up at their favorite Mexican restaurant, laughing and reminiscing about their many years of friendship. Thank you, Geri, for being a special part of Mom's life - she truly loved you, "Bertha."
Mom is survived by our dad, her husband of 57 years, Wilfred Cote; daughters Deborah Dillingham (Dennis) of Blacksburg, and Donna Martin (John) of Cowpens; grandchildren, Matthew Dillingham (Annie) of Blacksburg, Sarah Martin of Cowpens, Daniel Adams of Spartanburg, Bailey Martin Parker (Justin) of Gaffney, and Jamie Martin (Brittany) currently of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; great-grandchildren Riley, Dylan, Patricia, and Elaina; two brothers, Robert Davenport (Judy) of Glen Gardner, New Jersey, and Edward Davenport (Marge) of Wind Gap, Pennsylvania; numerous nieces and nephews, and best friend, Geri Page.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, there will be a private family service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Cancer Association of Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties, Inc. Text CASCC to 41444 to donate from your mobile device or call 864-582-0771. An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com |
