Jeanne D. Walker

Obituary For Jeanne D. Walker

Jeanne D. Walker, age 96, peacefully entered eternal rest on July 27, 2026, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, with her devoted daughter by her side.

Born on September 19, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, Jeanne was the beloved daughter of Millard Fillmore Davenporte Sr. and Odessa Louise Coleman Davenporte. She was the sixth of seven children in a family that included five sons and two daughters. Jeanne was the last surviving sibling of her family, carrying forward the legacy of the Davenporte family with grace, faith, and dignity throughout her life.

Jeanne received her early education at Gillespie-Selden Institute before attending Knoxville College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Education. While at Knoxville College, she proudly became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in 1951, beginning a lifelong commitment to scholarship, sisterhood, public service, and social action.

Following graduation, Jeanne dedicated her career to educating young minds as an elementary school teacher with the Knoxville City Schools, faithfully serving generations of students until her retirement. Her commitment to public service continued long after leaving the classroom, as she served for many years as a Knox County Jury Foreman, carrying out her civic responsibilities with integrity, wisdom, and fairness.

Jeanne remained deeply committed to her beloved sorority throughout her life. As a devoted member of the Knoxville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, she faithfully served as Chapter Chaplain for several years, offering spiritual guidance, encouragement, and leadership to her fellow Sorors.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Jeanne was a devoted member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she was a women’s Bible class teacher, served as president of the missionary ministry, worshiped faithfully in the choir and exemplified Christian love through her kindness, humility, and service to others.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John L. Walker Jr.; her cherished sons, Maurice A. Rogers and Ferrel T. Rogers; her parents, Millard Fillmore Davenporte Sr. and Odessa Louise Coleman Davenporte; and all of her siblings.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted daughter, Sheri Rogers Calhoun; her loving granddaughter, Peaisha Rogers; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, Sorors, former students, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her love and example.

Jeanne will be remembered for her unwavering faith, gentle spirit, love of learning, and lifelong dedication to educating children and serving her community. Whether in the classroom, the courtroom, her church, or among her Sorors, she led with compassion, wisdom, and quiet strength. Her life was a testament to the power of service, perseverance, and unconditional love.

Although she has departed this earthly life, her legacy will continue to live on through the family she cherished, the students she inspired, the community she served, and the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 from 10:30-11:00 a.m. with the Celebration of Life Service to begin at 11:00 a.m,. at the Bethel AME Church, 2460 Parkview Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914 where Rev. Myron Hill is officiating.

The final resting place will be at the Tennessee Veterans Cemetery (Lyons View) at 1:00 p.m. immediately after the service.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Unity Mortuary. www.unitymortuary1979.com

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