Daisy Winona McLendon

Daisy Winona McLendon was born October 19, 1934 in Knox Hill and she entered into eternity at her home in DeFuniak Springs on April 1, 2025. Winona lived her life in the panhandle of Florida, living in the tight-knit communities of Knox Hill, Highland View, Port St Joe, and DeFuniak Springs. Winona was a dedicated employee of Professional Products for 43 ½ years.

The only child of her mother, Anna Belle Floyd, Winona spent her childhood in the care of her grandparents after her mother passed away when Winona was only a year old. Her grandpa then assumed the primary role in her upbringing when his wife, Winona’s grandmother, passed away when Winona was 4. They lived in a house close to the school so that Winona could respond when she heard his cowbell ringing as this was an indication her grandpa needed her home. Difficulty walking made it hard for her grandpa to get around, and his cowbell ringing was always her cue to hurry home. She did much of the housework starting at a very young age – and her grandpa especially liked when she cooked up possum and sweet potatoes. In her free time, Winona greatly enjoyed playing basketball at Knoxhill School and was a strong guard. By the age of 15, Winona had met and was excited to wed the love of her life, Ferrell.

She married her one and only on August 28,1950, and she and Ferrell enjoyed almost 26 years together until his untimely death 3 weeks before their 26th anniversary.

Family meant the world to her. Winona knew how to love. Not having had a mother to raise her was never an excuse for her, and her own daughters feel that she was the best mother they could have asked for. She did not limit her love to only her children, she extended it to her children’s friends as well, and they were always made to feel welcome in Winona’s home and in her life. If they came to her house, they were treated like family. Her title of Nana was not only reserved for her grandchildren, but she was Nana to many unrelated people as well who were fortunate enough to experience her love. Though not quite as much as she loved her humans, Winona also loved her fur grandbabies, ceramics, and crocheting.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Ferrell McLendon, mother Anna Belle Floyd, and grandparents George and Mollie Floyd.

She leaves behind her daughters Pauline, Faye, and Lynn, grandchildren Melody Marier (Matthew) and Victoria Flynn, and a great granddaughter, Gracie Marier. She is also survived by Carolyn Harrison Blizzard of Madison, Wisconsin who was a special cousin, sister, and best friend to Winona, brother-in-law Ronnie McLendon (Maralyn), and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Winona had a giving and generous heart, and she treated everyone with the same love and kindness – leaving behind an example for all to follow.