Maryon was born on Long Island, New York on November 14, 1926, later moving to Nova Scotia, Canada at the age of 12. She never could decide which country to call home, but Nova Scotia always held a very special place in her heart.
She was predeceased by her husband of 44 years, William Porter Davenport, and her son-in-law, Brian Schaeffer. She is survived by her three children, Leslie Fuentes and her husband Marty, Brenda Schaeffer, and Bill Davenport and wife Joanne. She had 10 grandchildren, Jill (Fuentes) Stephenson, Jacob, Mark, Robyn, Josiah, and Anna Fuentes, Megan and James Schaeffer, and Alanna and Breanna Davenport. She also had 4 great-grandchildren, Melody Schaeffer, and Hope, Patience, and Blessing Stephenson.
After earning a BS in nursing, Maryon often boasted of “helping to catch over 100 babies a month” in her job as obstetrical nurse, which she loved. She chose to move to Tucson, Arizona, after picking that place out of a hat with a friend. It was there that the Lord guided her to meet her future husband, Bill. They lived in the western United States while raising their three children, before finally returning to her childhood home of Nova Scotia. After giving her life to Christ, she helped bring each of her children to salvation. Her children were often blessed with her willingness to stay up all hours of the night sorting out their life’s issues, where she would often refer to the pages of Scripture for answers. She later became a Bible Study Fellowship teaching leader for several years and led women’s Bible studies throughout her life wherever she lived. More than anything else she wanted people to know that God loved them. She loved God’s word and shared the precious salvation we can have in Jesus Christ. Maryon loved her family and friends, and hosting family gatherings. She loved paddling her red canoe on a glassy lake, and fitting in as much travel as possible. When Bill retired, they decided to be closer to family and moved to Albuquerque, and then to Deming, New Mexico, where she again led several Bible studies.
As Maryon reached the end of her years, she remained kind, caring, and loving toward others. She brightened any room she entered. She was often described as “the one who smiles” by friends and the workers at her retirement home. We like to think that it was the smile of God.
A celebration of life will be held at Bethel Baptist Church, 700 South 8th St., Deming, NM 88030 on Friday, July 20, 2018 at 2pm with Pastor Mason Davis officiating. For those of you who can’t make it, Maryon would want you to know that God loves you and that she hopes to see you in heaven.
Gifts in Maryon’s memory may be made to Bible Study Fellowship International (BSF International), or The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels