By Marilyn Hicks

Unlike his wife, Shirley, a native Napan, Joe was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to Napa in 1967.  He was employed at Kaiser Steel and has now been retired from Napa Pipe for five years.

Shirley’s first husband, Johnny, was tragically killed in an industrial accident in 1968 and Shirley became a widow with four boys, Richard, David, Daniel and DJ Davenport. 

So for four years this young single mother relied on the Lord to see her through a difficult time.  Before this time, Shirley, through her childhood friendship with Jeanette Ott, had become associated with First Christian Church in 1962.  From that time until now, Shirley has been a faithful, dedicated servant using her gifts and willing heart to serve our Lord at FCC

God’s plan of partnership for this couple brought Joe and Shirley together in May of 1972 when they were married at First Christian.  Joe, a “confirmed” bachelor at the age of 34, took on a wife and four sons.  Not long after, God blessed them with another son, Patrick, and then finally, a daughter, Minette.  They are both married now and, in total, Joe and Shirley have four grandchildren and one great grandchild.
 
Partnership is the word that describes Joe and Shirley, because as we reflect on all the volunteer jobs they have held through the years, it is evident that they collaborate in their service.  Let me name a few:  Served in the Preschool Department with Jeanette Ott about 10 years; cooked and served at weekly Monday night calling dinners; collated, folded and stuffed bulletins and church newsletter for over 20 years; served in the SHARE and later FOODLINK program; and on staff as custodians for the church/school for three years.  Shirley was a faithful member of the choir and also took her turn calling on calling night.

Their marriage certainly started out in this “serving” mode as they humorously shared with me that their honeymoon was spent at Heavenly Hills Christian Camp at a Memorial Day Work Weekend helping get the grounds ready for the summer camping season that year!! That is surely SERVANTHOOD!!

The Haven’s oven is the busiest one in Napa, I believe.  Shirley uses her baking skills a lot for others.  For years she has baked cookies for the Salvation Army.  (I remember a time when she faithfully took cookies to the staff at KVON).  The Breakfast Club, which they attend currently, enjoys a freshly baked cake, pie or goody EVERY Sunday morning from the Havens’ kitchen.  Some years back, for one Father’s Day, Shirley had canvassed the pastoral staff for their favorite pie and beginning on Friday she baked 26 pies of every type/kind imaginable, which was available for the whole congregation to enjoy on Sunday morning.  That was memorable.

Shirley and Joe volunteer at the local Farmer’s Market together.  They have done gardening, yard work and housekeeping for those in need.  Besides attending the Blumer Covenant Group faithfully for five years, they enjoy playing on the church Bowling League. Joe and their son Patrick serve with the Men On A Mission Ministry. Shirley also has a “green thumb” evidenced by the beautiful flowers she willingly shares with many.  In their “spare” time, Joe and Shirley care for their grandson, Joseph, twice a week.

Every Sunday morning beginning at 8:00am you will see Joe and Shirley faithfully serving in their various capacities, Joe helping to set up coffee and tables, etc. and Shirley delivering her baked goods as well as standing at her “greeting station” at the west entrance, giving handshakes and hugs as we go by.  Joe’s quiet, friendly and pleasant demeanor and Shirley’s unique sense of humor (notice her nametag—she has nicknamed herself “Squirrely”) combined with their willing, dependable and faithful spirit are a wonderful example of Christ’s love, joy and servant hood.  Thanks, Joe and Shirley, for allowing God to use you in so many ways