Karen Hass Davenport

Karen Haas Davenport, lovingly known as “Katie,” of Spartanburg, South Carolina, passed away at the age of 78 surrounded by the love of family and friends. Born in Atlanta, Georgia on January 7, 1948, Katie was the beloved daughter of the late George and Miriam Haas. She lived a life marked by kindness, strength, compassion, and devotion to those she loved. She will be remembered for her warm heart, generous spirit, and the lasting impact she made on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Katie graduated from Converse College in 1969, forming lifelong friendships and cherished memories during her college years.

Katie devoted more than 25 years to elementary education, a calling that reflected her patient spirit and deep love for children. She began her teaching career at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind and spent most of her career teaching at Newberry Academy and Colleton Preparatory Academy. She impacted generations of students with her kindness, encouragement, and dedication to learning.

Katie treasured her family above all else and found her greatest joy in the time spent with those she loved. Through her laughter, wisdom, encouragement, and quiet acts of care, she touched countless lives and created memories that will be cherished forever.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Michael G. Davenport; her daughters, Holly Davenport Austin and her spouse, Lennie Austin, and Lindsay Davenport Wood and her spouse, John Wood; her cherished grandchildren, Walker Austin, Mills Austin, and Harper Wood; her brother, Thomas Haas and his spouse, Meg Haas; her sister-in-law, Linda Turner and her spouse, Don Turner; three beloved nieces and one nephew; and her faithful dog, Lucy, whom she loved very much.

She was predeceased by her younger brother, Jim Haas.

Katie will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former students, and all who knew and loved her. Though her passing leaves a tremendous void, her legacy of love, grace, and unwavering devotion to family and education will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers and staff of the memory care unit at Summit Hills, Long Live Well Care, and Agape Hospice for the kindness, comfort, and exceptional care they provided to Katie and her family.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation and celebration of Katie’s life on Friday, May 29, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the Bistro at Summit Hills, 100 Summit Hills Dr., Spartanburg, SC 29307.

Private interment of ashes will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spartanburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Katie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.