Edith Mae Davenport Rich, 101 years old, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Edith was born on September 22, 1922 in Homer, Louisiana.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Thomas L. Rich, Jr., a son, Craig Alan Rich; her parents, David Irvin and Eula McKinney Davenport, Sr.; a sister, Genevery Davenport Zachary; and brother, David Irvin Davenport, Jr.

She is survived by three sons and their wives, Lenwood and Anne Floyd Rich, of Winston-Salem, NC, David and Barbara Saremba Rich, and Clifton and Michelle Lee Rich, both of Fairmont, N.C.; 14 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

She graduated from Homer Louisiana High School, Dodd Junior College in Shreveport, Louisiana and Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana, with a BS in Piano. She then attended Woman's Missionary Union Training School (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) of Louisville, Kentucky, where she met her husband, Dr. Thomas L. Rich, Jr. from Garland, N.C. They were married on June 14, 1946 and were married for 61 years.

Faith and family defined her Life. She was a faithful member of all the churches he served and assisted in many areas in the various churches during his ministry of 50 years in Fayetteville, NC, Fairmont, NC and various churches in Robeson County and S.C. She was also instrumental in developing a nursery program at the First Baptist Church in Fairmont. In their morning devotionals, she kept up all birthdates of former church members as well as anniversaries and they would call those individuals wishing them a Happy Birthday or Anniversary.

She loved sports, especially Tennis, where she played Tennis at Louisiana College.  She supported her four sons and her grandchildren in their Middle School and High School games.  She was a great sports statistician keeping up with her favorite teams and individuals and when she could watch them play on television.

A private family burial will be held. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 10,2024 at the First Baptist Church 416 South Main St., Fairmont, NC. Family will receive friends in the Sanctuary following the Memorial Service. Arrangements will be handled by Floyd Funeral Services, Inc. of Fairmont, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Gifts may be made to the Thomas L. and Edith D. Rich, Jr. Divinity Scholarship of Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC 27507 or First Baptist Church, 416 S. Main Street, P.O. Box 663, Fairmont, N.C.  28340.