Darryl McLendon Japour

Darryl McLendon Japour passed from this life on December 29, 2021. Born June 1, 1933, she was the second of five children in the family of Barney Ephraim McLendon and Gladys Griffis McLendon of South Georgia.

Darryl moved with her parents to Jacksonville, Florida in the early 1940’s when her father took employment at the shipyard building Liberty Ships. His untimely death in 1946 sent her and her older sister looking for employment. She started selling goldfish at Woolworth’s five and dime. She worked as a clerk at the Stockton, Whatley Davin office; and then moved on to new opportunities in mortgage banking, real estate, and as administrative staff for FJC nursing and UF Shands surgery. She always worked; she always contributed more than her share.

She met her beloved husband, Gene Japour, in the late 1940’s. in downtown Jacksonville. “I know you. You live across the street!” She moved from thinking she had never before seen this man to deciding he might be her prince.

It turned out that he was more than just her “prince”. He was a constant helper to all of her family, his own, and others who became his “family”. Like his own father, Ameen Japour, he became known as one who would help the old or young according to their need.

Although they had no “children” of their own, they blessed the lives of many who came into their circle without regard to origin. Where you were from just didn’t matter. Who you were, did.

Darryl was predeceased by her parents, and beloved husband, Gene Japour. Her siblings, Ben McLendon and Sue Mari also have passed. Her nephew, Scott Chapman Davis, died barely a month before her own demise (On hearing the news, she said “Now we will have a hole in our hearts,” ) She is survived by her nephews John Japour, Matthew Robinson, Adam Robinson, Andrew Robinson, and Paul Napier. Apart from family, she loved and was grateful for the friendship of the Russo brothers, Ron Henderson, and Jaime Rios, all good men.

Darryl was smart, generous, stalwart, and brave. She helped many. She was loved by more. She will be remembered for her welcoming spirit, her willingness to prop a person up, and her unstinting generosity.

A graveside service for Darryl will be held Tuesday, January 4, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with Msgr. Caesar Russo as officiant, in Evergreen Cemetery, 4535 North Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GreenlawnJacksonville.com for the Japour family.