Velda Cannon

Velda Iris Cannon, age 97, of Greenville, passed away in the late afternoon hours of Friday, December 11, 2009 at the Harrison House Assisted Living Center in Greenville. She was born on November 3, 1912, near Avery, Red River County, Texas, to Oscar and Ida Reeves Watson, they preceded her in death. Velda earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from East Texas State University and a Masters degree from the University of Houston. She retired from teaching after 36 years of educating the children of the Campbell, Baytown, and Greenville communities. Velda spent much of her free time as a member of numerous organizations including the Greenville Retired Teachers Association and the Rejabian Book Review Club and was a former member of the American Association of University Women and the City Federation of Womens Clubs. She was also a member of the Johnson Street Church of Christ. Velda is survived by one daughter, Tanya F. Barkley, and husband Bruce, of Greenville; one step-son, Ret. Col. S. J. Cannon, and wife Charlene, of Dallas; grandchildren, Jon Barkley of St. Louis and Elisa D. Brown of Greenville; step-grandchildren, Ret. Gen. Michael Cannon of Detroit, MI, Karen Irion of New Orleans, and Sandra Bielawski of Douglasville, GA; and several great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her husband, S.M. Cannon, in 1997, and her three brothers: Vernon, Troy, and Doyle. Graveside services for Ms. Cannon will be held at 1:00 P.M., Monday, December 14, 2009 at Brigham Cemetery with Rev. Randy Daw officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 " 6 P.M., Sunday at the Peters Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to FISH- Hunt County Shared Ministries. 2805 King Street. Greenville, Texas 75401. 903-455-0545.