James Thornton Darns

Mr. James Thornton Darns, also known as “JT”, was born in Terrell County, Georgia to the late Mr. Willie Dean & Mrs. Jessie Pearl Darns on July 4, 1931. During his education in the Terrell County School System, “JT’s” determination encouraged him to leave home at an early age. He traveled throughout the Southern states, ultimately making the Eastern Shore of Virginia his home in 1949. This is where he met his first wife, Cornelia Mildred Wallop and her son Gregory Howard Wallop, who “JT” raised as his own. The two later gave birth to “JT’s” devoted daughter, Michele Yugonda Maria Darns. He was also the father of the late Marvin Fletcher of Dover, Delaware. “JT” loved the Lord and enjoyed his life; he never knew a stranger and always made sure you left his home full of good conversation and his excellent southern cooking. His long talks outside in the yard, spontaneous cookouts, beautiful garden, sweet watermelons, greens, his favorite vegetable okra and his undeniable hospitality will be missed. After the passing of his first wife, James courted and married Zola Bell Fryer and became a member of New Macedonia Baptist Church and a resident of Pocomoke City, Maryland in 1980. He was a loyal, hard worker employed by the Campbell Soup Plant for many years, and lastly retiring from the Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland, twice. “JT” was preceded in death by his wife Zola Bell; his four brothers, Willie D., Jesse L, George and Sammy Lee Darns as well as one sister Annie Lou Mosley. Those he leaves behind to cherish his memories are: Michele Sample(Alvin), Gregory Wallop, Yugonda Sample-Jones (Brandon), ToWanda Wiggins (Dion), Gregory Wallop, Jr. (Cathy), Martez, Marvin, Diameka and Tavian Fletcher, Marlin Dale and Billy D. and Shamika Mclean; daughter-in-law Annette Fletcher and sisters-in-law Johnnie Mae Owens and Mary Darns as well as an adored great-niece Sharnell Tull. Also bereaved are a host of loving nieces and nephews who called him their “favorite Uncle”. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Thornton Darns , please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

James Thornton Darns

July 4, 1931 - January 2, 2016