With profound love and gratitude, we announce the unexpected, peaceful passing of Sara Frances Zipperer Davenport, who departed this life on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at St. Joseph Candler Hospital, with her devoted and loving husband and loving sister and brother-in-law holding her hands at her bedside.

Frances was born on June 7, 1947, in Savannah to the late Carlin Solomon Zipperer Jr. and the late Cleo Annie Douglas Zipperer. She was educated in Savannah schools and was a graduate of Savannah Christian.

Frances married John Locke Davenport on July 22, 1990. Locke was the love of her life for over 36 years. She had one son, Robert Wesley Overstreet Jr. (Wes). She retired from Brannen, Searcy and Smith, LLP, after many years, serving as the receptionist, a bookkeeper and office manager for the law firm. After retirement, she volunteered for Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

Frances had an unconditional love for her family and friends, which she showed by her excitement when she was sharing time with them. She adored her nephews and nieces and their children and loved for them to come to Tybee to enjoy swimming and wave jumping, as well as building sandcastles and moats. She would take walks along the shoreline with the little ones to collect seashells and sea glass, ending that perfect day with a picnic in the park or at the fort.

Frances would spoil all the great-nephews and great-nieces every chance she had. She enjoyed mailing seasonal goodies that included candies and toys for holidays. Frances enjoyed many, many years at the beach. She also enjoyed playing, puzzles, watching sporting events and games, attending dance recitals and dance competitions, exploring old forts and museums, exploring down dirt roads, going to theme parks—anything to enjoy the antics of the little ones.

In addition to her husband, Locke, Frances leaves behind her sister, Marian Carol Zipperer Darsey (Tweet), and her husband, William David Darsey (Will), of Colonels Island; daughter-in-law Elizabeth Schauss Overstreet of Wilmington Island; sisters-in-law Gwin Baker Zipperer of Savannah and Robin Davenport of Herkimer, New York; and several nephews, nieces, cousins and special friends.

Frances was predeceased by her parents, Carlin and Cleo Zipperer; her son, Robert Wesley Overstreet Jr.; her brothers, Carlin Solomon Zipperer III (Buddy) and John Douglas Zipperer Sr. (Doug); her sister, Arlene Zipperer; and her father- and mother-in-law, John Robert Davenport (Bob) and Betty Anne Locke Davenport.

Our Frances was a very loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, family member and friend. We will miss her love, thoughtfulness and touch of stubbornness. We love you, Frances. The love you gave will never fade.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Fox & Weeks Funeral Home, Hodgson Chapel, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you consider a donation in Frances’ memory to Savannah Center for Blind and Low Vision, 1141 Cornell Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31406.