Constance Emily Davenport Daniels

Constance Emily Davenport Daniels passed peacefully into the presence of Jesus on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 after a lengthy and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Connie was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, just one week after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. She was a proud New Orleanian who married her high school sweetheart, Jim Daniels, on January 31, 1959. Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Addington Davenport and Alice Emily Mitchell Davenport; her brother, Thomas Addington Davenport, II (Tad); and her husband, James Robert Daniels, Sr. She is survived by her four children, Jim (Mary) Daniels, Jr.; Tammy (Robert) Hicks; Shelly (Billy) Perkins; and Jamie (Danny) Broxson. In addition, she is survived by her eleven grandchildren, Christin (Dan) Love; Tommy (Kathy) Daniels; Matthew (Michelle) Perkins; Jake (Erin) Hicks; Brittany (Bryan) Weiss; Ashley (Steven) Smith; Nate (Brittanie) Hicks; Caitlin (Lee) Threadgill; Daniel Perkins; Cameron Broxson; and Gracie Broxson. Connie is also survived by thirteen (and counting!) great-grandchildren. For twenty years, she was a loyal employee at the Medical Center Clinic, working as supervisor of courier services. While busily walking up and down the corridors at MCC, she always had a smile on her face and brightened the day of everyone she met. She retired in 2008. Connie was the most incredibly loving, selfless wife, mother, and grandmother. Her children and grandchildren were the joy of her life. Her love knew no bounds. She freely gave her time and energy, as she always put the needs, concerns, and care of others before her own. Connie was a homemaker at heart and could most often be found in the kitchen. She loved making delicious meals for her family, and was a fantastic cook. Connie was a faithful servant of Jesus. Her walk with Christ began at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in New Orleans. Later in life, after moving to Florida, she joined Gonzalez United Methodist Church, where she was an active and devoted member for nearly forty years. She was a long-time member of the choir. Her church family meant a great deal to her and were a big part of her life. She strived to love and live like Jesus, and served as an indelible example of how to freely share God’s forgiving grace. She clung throughout her life to the scripture found in 1 John 4:4, which reads, “Greater is He Who is in me, than he who is in the world.” During her six and a half year journey through the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease, Connie demonstrated a remarkable level of patience, humility, and dignity. She showed everyone who came in contact with her, how to handle physical and practical life setbacks gracefully and joyfully. Even after becoming bed-bound, she maintained her beautiful smile and sweet spirit. The example she has set throughout these heartbreaking, challenging years is the final piece of an enduring legacy she leaves behind to her family and friends. The family wishes to thank the phenomenal women who have skillfully and lovingly cared for Connie around the clock for the past six months. Kay, Dee, Gail, Shirley, Sherrell, and Anna - you all have truly become a part of our extended family and words will never adequately express the depth of our gratitude! Additionally, the family wishes to acknowledge Kindred At Home and Emerald Coast Hospice for the wonderful support and services they provided. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, April 12 in the sanctuary of Gonzalez United Methodist Church. The visitation will begin at 1:00 in the afternoon, with the service following at 2:00. The Reverend Michael Ramsey will officiate, with assistance from Reverend Riley Richardson. Connie’s six grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Faith Chapel North is handling arrangements.

Tributes

Constance Emily Davenport Daniels

December 15, 1941 - April 6, 2022