Missouri . O. Barton

Missouri Olivia Barton, daughter of the late John Davenport and Rosie Jordan Davenport, was born in King and Queen County, Virginia on August 13, 1921. She departed this life and continued on to her heavenly home on the evening of May 2, 2016. Missouri was the youngest of 13 children. She left Virginia after the death of her mother and father at the tender age of 14 and went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and then to Baltimore, Maryland. Years later she gave birth to her son Jim Davenport and worked as a mortuary assistant, mother's helper, and housekeeper. She married Boyce William Barton, Sr. a man who both adored his wife and loved God. He and Missouri had daily devotions until he died at age 94 while on his knees during his morning prayers. After Missouri recommitted her life to Christ in the late 50's, she fervently shared the good news to anyone who would listen using gospel tracks and teaching Good News Clubs and Sunday School classes. The house on Broadway was open to missionaries, evangelist, and visiting preachers. Missouri's biblical gifts was hospitality and one of her defining characteristics was her willingness to help others. Missouri had a special love for people including nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her greatest desire was that each had a personal relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In her own words: "How many years one has left no one is ever sure but it is comforting to know that being absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Why? Many years ago I was convinced by the word of God that I was a sinner. And that Jesus was the one who died on the cross and shed His precious blood for my sins. Since I've invited Him into my life He has made me a new creature in Christ. The Bible verses that I cherish and give me that blessed assurance are I Corinthians 15:3-4, John 1:12, John 5:24 and II Corinthians 5:17. However, my greatest desire is that each of you may have the blessed assurance of your own salvation and experience the joy of serving Him and then being with Him for eternity". Missouri is lovingly remembered and celebrated by: her son, James T. Davenport; daughter-in-law, Frances Davenport; three grandchildren, Deborah Barton, Gary West ( Brandi) and Michelle Davenport-Johnson (Garrard); and five great granddaughters, Breyonna West, Britney West, Jannah Johnson, Minah Johnson and Lailah Johnson.

Tributes

Missouri . O. Barton

August 13, 1921 - May 2, 2016