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The Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod announces
the death of former bishop,
The Rev. Dr. Patricia Ann Curtis Davenport.
Bishop Davenport died Wednesday, July 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Bishop Davenport died after facing cancer with strength and grace.
Bishop Davenport served her Lord Jesus Christ, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod as a pastor, Director of Evangelical Mission and was elected to serve as Bishop in 2018. She was the first African-American woman to be elected a bishop in the ELCA. Bishop Davenport retired in 2024.
Bishop Davenport is survived by three adult children: Joel, (Christine) Shanena (Randal) and Jamar and eight grandchildren, Joel III, Dominic, Chance, Christian, Kaden, Justice, Kaleb, and Zion, who were her heart’s delight. Her 92-year-old mother Ruth Curtis, and 8 siblings and spouses lovingly cared for her during her illness: Walter (Linda), Nathaniel (Yvonne), Ronald (Karen), Steven (Monica), Cynthia (Charlie), Maurice (Kim-T), Mark (Stacey), and Jacqueline (Jonas).
Her beloved husband Joel Mac Davenport Sr. preceded her death in 2008. His siblings Calvin (Shirley), Donna, (Donnell) and Kathy mourn her passing as well, along with countless other friends, family and people whose lives she touched and inspired throughout her life.
We give thanks for Bishop Davenport’s prayerful, joyful, courageous and Spirit-led service to the Church of Jesus Christ and the people of God, and offer our deepest sympathy to her family.
An obituary and funeral arrangements will be announced
when they are completed.
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