Jesse Bryan Davenport Jr.
Published 8:33 pm Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Jesse Bryan Davenport Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on February 4th, 2025, in Hermanville, MS, surrounded by his family.
Jesse was born in Claiborne County on October 5, 1930 into a farming family. He came to know the Lord at an early age and was a devoted son and brother. After graduating from high school, he moved to Vicksburg and began working as a land surveyor. Then, he worked for Letourneau Builders as a machinist before beginning a tool and die apprenticeship at Westinghouse Corporation which he completed in 1959. In 1971, after a successful career at Westinghouse, he and Ray English started Foam Packaging which became a premiere egg carton producer and is still in operation today.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Florence Nelson and Jesse Davenport Sr.; spouses Bettie Fuller Davenport and Bobbye Harris Davenport; brothers Richard Henry Davenport, Kenneth Ray Davenport, and Joe Thompson Davenport; and sisters Emily Jewel Baily and Hettie Florence Davenport.
He is survived by his son Jesse Bryan Davenport III; daughters Debra Isaac (Tom), Dr. FlorenceCuneo (Bryan), and Dr. Margaret Bateman (Blane); stepdaughters Mauri Gore (Marc) and MarlaSims (Marc); grandchildren Richard Bateman, Austin Gore, Robbie McDonald, Aubrey Heilman (Alexander), Paul Isaac, Patrick Cuneo (Kelley), Kathleen Bradford (John), and Sarah Ward ;and seven great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings include sisters Martha Oswalt, Elizabeth Owens, Patricia Bozeman, sister-in-law Evone Davenport and many nieces and nephews.
Jesse Jr. leaves behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and love. His impact will be felt for generations to come, both in his family and in the community he helped build. The Davenports were one of the first families to settle in Mississippi in 1814, and Jesse felt a deep connection to the state and Claiborne County. He never met a stranger and had a strong work ethic which he instilled in all who knew him. He often said that “there is no time like the present to begin.”
He was most proud of Foam Packaging and how it created jobs and opportunities for others to succeed. Shortly after the company started, he designed the first 18-cell egg carton made from foam. Later, he would design hinged-lid food containers and serving trays, enabling the business to grow.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jesse Jr. cherished time with his family and instilled that love in his children. He enjoyed raising cattle, tending his garden, fishing, hunting, and the great outdoors. He was a loving father, grandfather, and friend to many, and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue, Vicksburg, Mississippi. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon until the time of the service.
Pallbearers: Derwin Banks, Malcolm Dunaway, Steve English, Comelia Floyd, James Hearn, Corwayne Townsend, and Billy Walker.
Honorary Pallbearers: J. W. Carter, Wayne Ball, Alvin Taylor, Calvin Allen, David Duke, Dr. Eddie Lipscomb, John Selden, and Jerry Morgan.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Hermanville Baptist Church, 1178 Abby Road, Hermanville, MS 39086.
The Family would like to express their deep gratitude to caregivers: Mary Davis, Geneva Moore, Josephine Moore, Dietra Marshall, and Tammy Hatchett.
Thanks to Willie McDonald who has helped him maintain his garden and land for many years.
The family also appreciates the guidance of LaShonda and Katina of Arden Hospice Care and Dr. David Headley.
Interment at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.