Rena McDonald

 

The family will receive friends Monday November 14, 2022 from 10am until 1pm at Wells Funeral Home in Batesville, Mississippi. A private graveside service will take place on Monday at Forrest Memorial Park.

Rena was born on January 28, 1943 to James Burton “J.B” and Mary Hogg Davenport in Memphis, TN. She was the second eldest of five children and graduated from Treadwell High School in 1962.
After raising her three children, Kelly, Vicki, and Michael, and retiring from Shulton Manufacturing after a 20-year career, Rena joined the family business, Davenport Towing and Recovery. While at Davenport, she became known as "the boss lady" and was revered by employees and customers alike. If you had a problem that needed an answer, a job that needed directions, a reality check or a shoulder to cry on, go see the boss lady. In an industry that is typically known as a man's world, Rena was one of the most respected women in Memphis business. She, along with her brother, Aubrey Davenport, built a standard in the towing and recovery business that holds still today.

Rena enjoyed traveling, which often included a trip to the casino to play her slots. She enjoyed riding dunebuggies and 4-wheelers at Pickwick and spending the day at Sardis Lake on the pontoon. Rena also enjoyed entertaining family and friends with her husband, Slick. Together, they quickly became known for their famous parties at their home in Batesville, MS.

Those she leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband and forever love, Harry "Slick" McDonald; siblings, Aubrey Davenport, Nancy Mullis, and Lena Shanks (Morris); daughters, Kelly Lott (Dennis) and Vicki Tuft; son Michael Tuft (Gena); grandchildren Kyle Lewellen (Sarah), Kasey Tuft Conner (Payton), Savannah Tuft (Josh Daniels), and Alex McCairns (Charlie); and great grandchildren, Madelynn Michelle, Aubrey Kate, Miles, Delta Lynn, and Piper Elizabeth. Along with her parents, she is preceded in her death by her eldest brother Gene Davenport and sister-in-law Sandra Davenport.