Sunrise: November 21, 1938 – Sunset: February 16, 2016
Selena Viola Davenport was born on November 21, 1938 in Montgomery, Alabamba to Felix and Johnnie Mae Davenport. Selena was lovingly known to her seven siblings as “Boo-Boo.” Selena graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1955. She joined the Bethany Seventh-day Adventist Church of Montgomery in 1956 under E.E. Cleveland. It was at Bethany that Selena was energetically pursued by Eddie “Red” Fenison of Montgomery Alabama. When Eddie’s father met Selena he said, “Now that is a virtuous girl.” The beautiful Selena finally acquiesced to tie-the-knot, and they were married on July 10, 1958. The couple moved to Los Angeles, California where Selena attended Compton College, earned her degree and worked as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Selena in time gave birth to three beautiful children: Michael, Anthony and Cynthia. In 1970, Eddie and Selena moved their family to Rancho Cucamonga, California where they reared their children.
Selena was the consummate hostess and homemaker. When Selena’s last child reached school age, she pursued and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts at California State San Bernardino. After receiving her degree, Selena followed her passion for early childhood education and became the Director of several head start programs in the Inland Empire. Later in Selena’s life, they were blessed with two additional daughters, Michelle and Chantel.
Selena was a very gregarious and nurturing woman of God who befriended all. Oftentimes, you would find her house full with her children’s friends and extended family. She was affectionately known as Mom, Grandma or Aunt Selena. In 1989, Selena became an entrepreneur and an administrator of Camry Group Homes, Inc. for abused and neglected children. During her sovereignty, Selena made a difference in the lives of more than two hundred children over a span of 20 years. She was a selfless and gentle spirit, who chose her words wisely and was always concerned with those around her. Selena was a peacemaker, strong-willed and very generous. The loving way in which she dedicated her life to the welfare of others is a testament to the loving kindness, compassion and commitment that united Selena with Yeshua.
Selena graced her affection, dedication, and talent to the Normandie Ave., Pomona, and Bethel Seventh-day Adventist churches where she served in various departments and made lifelong friends. She was a charter member of the Mt. Rubidoux Seventh-day Adventist Church in Riverside, California where she was a pillar and active member. Whatever her hands could find to do, she did it with resolve until it was time for her to rest, and even then, she gave her best.
Selena battles Parkinson’s disease since 2006. On February 16, 2016 the battle was won and the Lord called his angel home. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband, Eddie Fenison; her children: Michael, Anthony (Lachelle), Michelle, Cynthia (Lamont Briscoe) and Chantel, who preceded her in death; grandchildren: Jenelle, Brittany (Darren Robertson), Kai, Aurriel, Benjamin, and Nyla Selena; her sister Martha Gray, Helen Bryant and a congregation of brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as, an endless host of extended family and friends too numerous to name, but loved just the same.