Marian Joy Davenport

Marian Joy (Lanier) Davenport, 84, passed away on July 9, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas. She was born on December 17, 1941, in Aztec, New Mexico, to Ella Ann (Maddox) and James Lanier. Her mother later married Charles Spargo, who was an important part of Marian’s family and upbringing.

Marian attended Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado, before beginning a long and meaningful career in education. She worked as a teacher for the Wichita school district until her retirement in the mid-1990s. Throughout her career, she touched the lives of many students and families through her dedication to teaching.

Music was an important part of Marian’s life. She was a talented singer and a member of the Wichita Sweet Adelines. Through her involvement with the group, she was selected to sing on a USO tour in the Far East, including Vietnam—an experience she remembered with great pride.

Marian was also a devoted Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan and loved cheering on the University of Kansas. Above all, she cherished her family and the generations that grew around her.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Lanier; her mother, Ella-Ann Spargo; her stepfather, Charles Spargo; her sister, Katie Lanier; and her brother, William “Bill” Spargo.

Marian is survived by her son, Ron Davenport, and his wife, Mary; her daughter, Shawn Wicklund, and her husband, Tom; her grandchildren, Michael Davenport and his husband, Derek, Mercedes Hicks and her husband, Christopher, Lucas Wicklund and his wife, Courtney, and Ross Wicklund and his wife, Haley; and eight beloved great-grandchildren.

Marian will be remembered for her love of music, her dedication to education, her Jayhawk spirit, and the deep love she shared with her family. Her voice, stories, and presence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

No services are planned.