By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

On April 9, the Senior Corps Volunteer Appreciation Banquet was held at Harris Arena to honor volunteers from Blount, Jefferson, Walker and Shelby counties. Grandparent foster programs and senior “companions” are also included in this event.

Anita and Lloyd Davenport, though seniors themselves, have a lot on their everyday agenda. If you have ever driven around and around at Shelby Baptist Medical Center, you know that parking is difficult to obtain.

The Davenports need a personalized place as they are often at the hospital four and five times a week. Every Sunday, they give an up-to-date report on the sick and hospitalized. Doctors’ appointments, rides to church, helping folks to and from their cars, volunteering to work the pumpkin patch, cooking for men’s breakfast or family fellowship and special events, the Davenports are always available and eager to help. Lloyd Davenport is commonly known as the “Mayor of Smokey Road” because of his concern, knowledge and intervention of those in need.

For more than 45 years, they have worked with the children, youth, choir, numerous committees, vacation Bible school, CPW, general assembly and mission trips. Lloyd has a list of his “widow women” he calls to check on, do any errands or handyman work and let them know he cares. Both Davenports have served as deacons and elders in their church.

This couple has raised five children and have nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Their gutsy determination, willingness to be servants to others, heartfelt prayer and concern and sunny Christian attitudes make them a truly exceptional couple.

In seven years, Anita has volunteered 7,603 hours and Lloyd 5,847 hours. They are angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people. The love they share with the people they help is inspiring. Thank you Davenports – you do make a difference.