Sarah Ellis Davenport

Sarah passed away this past Saturday April 4, 2020. Though her passing was sudden and unexpected, Sarah had prepared for this better than most of us. For this time, she would remind us of the Serenity Prayer which she went to often and shared with others.

Sarah was 30 years old, born on July 1 (Canada Day as she liked to remind us), loved having watermelon on her birthday instead of cake, and enjoyed meeting people and discussing a variety of subjects when she met you. Sarah was inquisitive and enjoyed learning, especially introduction to new languages, as well as Latin and the Classics. Sarah was artistic and full of expression especially with her use of color, was the #1 supporter of Hill College Soccer with her “Let’s Go Hill” cheer and looked forward to vacations at national championship sites.

Sarah loved her family, especially her nieces and nephew (her “little ones”), her dog Serena who gave her peace and comfort plus Gigem and Howie and many other animals. She also loved the beach, eating crab, octopus & sashimi, collecting Batman items and purses, playing card games Uno and Russian Bank (of which she was proud to be a tournament champion), Connect Four, doing Sudoku, throwing darts & axes, shooting pool, seeing Indian paintbrushes in the Spring, watching the colors in different sunsets each evening (a kaleidoscope of God’s artwork), had a variety of music tastes, and so very much more.

Of everything, Sarah was extremely kind, loving, and protective. She was generous and reached out as a friend to the isolated and sick, the poor and downtrodden, the shy and fearful, and those that believed they were different and not deserving for reasons unknown. Sarah visited with those many of us pass by, the cashier, the stranger in line next to her. Many have sent us messages of times she had conversations with them or helped them, and photos of cards that she sent them as random acts of kindness.

Sarah was a successful person, and a testament of faith and patience. As Booker T. Washington said, “Success is to measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he/she has overcome.”

Sarah often asked what her purpose in life was, especially with her myriad of health issues. In the recent months, Sarah commented about what it might be in text messages, and her painting, poetry (some of which she called her phrases), and journals, and how to share those messages. Now we know Sarah was created the way that she was for a specific purpose. She was committed to some work which God did not commit to another. She had a mission. She was the unifying link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.

Sarah had comments she lived by, and shared often with others via her own laminated cards including some for family members to have. “Flaws are valuable!!” “Being different is Beautiful!!” “Being unique is staying true to yourself!!” “Remember to be yourself!!” “Don’t change for anyone else, it’s Not worth it!!” “You are loved especially when you can’t see it for yourself!!”

Sarah also had rules she posted that she lived by, and believed everyone should try to use them.
• The Golden Rule
• Always keep love in you, don’t let anyone/thing steal it from you.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Always have fun.
• Fine the silver lining in all especially the living hell.
• Laughter is the best medicine.
• Treat others as you want to be treated; mindfulness to the maximum.
• Look at someone when they’re talking to you. So, they know you’re listening.
• Keep those who actually love you around; protect them; let them know they are loved.
• Pain lasts 90 seconds as long as you Don’t feed it.
• Brains above beauty.
• Be true to yourself always.
• Flaws are more valuable than gold, it makes us who we are.
• and her favorite phrase, “We are Not here for perfection Rather expression.”

Sarah also had prepared a message in laminated cards using one of her favorite tattoos of a smiling heart with musclebound arms for strength. That message is for everyone … “Stay Strong. Keep faith, love, courage in you. I’ll always believe in ya’ll.”

Her physical journey here has ended, but she has reached a heavenly destination we each hope and pray for. We love her dearly and miss her presence, yet know she now watches over all of us with loving kindness, faith and patience.

Sarah is preceded in death by her grandmothers Elaine McGregor Ellis and Ruby Davenport, and her childhood best friend Amber Wheatley, all of which she looked forward to seeing again.

Sarah is survived by:
Her father David Davenport of Farmers Branch
Her mother Carolyn Apodaca of Keller
Her brother John Davenport of Dallas, her sister-in-law Dayna, and her little one Emarie
Her brother Paul Davenport of Burleson, her sister-in-law Kaitlin, and her little ones Trent and Charlotte Ruby
Her brother/cousin Daniel Kurokawa of San Antonio, her sister-in-law Rebecca, and her little one Katherine
Her grandfathers, Billie J. Ellis Sr. and wife Ann of Houston, and Bill Davenport of Shreveport, Louisiana
Her aunts, Patricia Davenport and Teresa Kurokawa of Irving, and Connie Perez of El Paso.
Her uncles, Billie Ellis Jr. of Highland Park and Steve Mayer of Rock Court, Hill County
Her great-uncle Tuffly Ellis of Houston
Her cousins Stephen and Will, and Aurora, Laura, Emily and more
Her companion dog Serena, … friends Samantha Ewing, Betty Edge, Tammy and Jenny Nguyen, neighbors Norma & Gaston and Dylan, and so many others Sarah came in contact with

Per Sarah’s wishes, her ashes will be buried next to her Gran in Arkansas, and in lieu of flowers she requested donations be made to:
• Hill College Soccer …. An endowed “Sarah D. ‘Let’s Go Hill’” soccer scholarship fund is being created
• Casa House in Dallas
• and the family has added in Sarah’s honor: Dallas Art Therapy; 2007 N. Collins Blvd., Suite 411; Richardson, TX 75080 www.dallasarttherapy.org

We love you Sarah.