Billie June Davenport

Billie June (Turner) Davenport of West Redding, the wife of 40 years to James M. Davenport, Sr, died January 12.

She was the mother of Peter S. Davenport of Sandy Hook.

Mrs Davenport was born in Anderson, S.C., a daughter of the late Frida Turner Coulter. A graduate of St Margaret McTernan School of Waterbury, she had represented the State as Miss Connecticut in the 1958 Miss America Pageant and was one of the top ten finalists, and had won the talent award for ballet at the Atlantic City competition. Also in 1958, she served as queen of the Great Danbury State Fair. She was a loving wife, mother and “Grandmother Goodie” and had been a homemaker and avid gardener.

She is also survived by her four other children; Leslie D. Socci of Bethel; James M. Davenport, Jr of Brookfield; Jeffrey J. Davenport of Bethel; and Terri D. Shupert of Natick, Mass; 13 grandchildren; and other loved ones.

A private gathering took place at her home with the family only.

Friends are asked to plant a bush or tree or flowers, anywhere, in her name.

The Newtown Bee         January 21, 2000