Verlene Davenport

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Verlene Faye Davenport, age 85, formerly of Joplin, MO passed away at her home on Saturday, December 6, 2025 with her family by her side.

Verlene was born on May 22, 1940 in Hays, KS to the union of Verle and Velma (Forge) Gilbert. She graduated from High School in 1958. Life wasn’t easy for Verlene, as she was a single mother, working two jobs, going to school, while also ironing clothing on the side to earn extra money to help raise her children. 

Unfortunately, she had to step away from school to continue working. While working in Joplin, she met the love of her life, Robert Davenport, Sr. and together they were united in holy matrimony on May 2, 1970. To this marriage brought six children together. She was extremely selfless and took in babies during the day to allow girls to finish their schooling and graduate from High School. 

Eventually, Verlene went back to MSSU and graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelors in Childhood Development and Teaching in 1987. Verlene was one of the founders that started Headstart in Joplin. She also owned and operated D&D Diner, worked as the cook for the Sisters of Mercy McAuley Convent in Joplin, was a substitute teacher at Joplin Public Schools and retired from being an accountant at the Flying J. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, shooting pool, singing karaoke, going to Precious Moments, walking with her neighbors around the neighborhood, reading, learning history and canning food from her garden to give to others. Verlene was extremely strong and smart, completing Sudoku puzzles up until her passing. She often would challenge her great-grandchildren to complete Sudoku puzzles and then the teacher in her would give them a grade and have them correct their mistakes. Spending time with family was one of her greatest joys, and she cherished every moment. Verlene lived a life that exemplified the meaning of giving. She never met a stranger, was a pillar of her community, a loving figure, and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In addition to her parents, Verlene was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Davenport, Sr.; son, Robert Davenport, Jr.; one granddaughter, Shannon Fields; and two sisters, Kaye Clark and Valoise “Tammy” Doty.

Verlene is survived by her five children, Alfred Zabasniki and wife, Sherry, of Joplin, Scott Davenport, of Joplin, Joan Zabasniki-Reed and husband, Don, of Sand Springs, OK, Carol Oberman, of New York, and Lynda Fields, of Joplin; 10 grandchildren, Priscilla Forsythe and husband, David, Thaddaeus West, Dallas Nixon and husband, Donnie, Caris Turner, Christopher Zabasniki, Riana Zabasniki, Adrian Fields, Heather Sandler and husband, Evan, and Jennifer Warmoth and husband, Tony; 14 great-grandchildren; and seven siblings, Vern Gilbert, of Jasper, MO, Verle Gilbert, of Alba, MO, Veda Perrin, of Sarcoxie, MO, Vickie Gilbert, of Jasper, MO, Valora Daniels, of Joplin, MO, Vernetta Swihart, of Elbing, KS, and Varonica Gilbert, of San Antonio, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made out to the American Lung Association.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary.

Rosary will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church with a funeral mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary.