Velma Joe Cannon, age 86 transitioned peacefully from this earthly life to her heavenly home on Sunday August 3, 2025.

Velma was one of 14 siblings born in Florence, Alabama on August 18, 1938 to the late George Knox and Earline Goldsmith Knox, Velma is preceded also in eternal rest her husband Willie Cannon Sr, son Willie Cannon Jr, daughter Evangeline Esho and grandson Osei Esho, sisters Clara Louise Darby and Geraldine Gardner, brothers George Knox Jr, Earl Knox, Mack Knox, Theodis Knox and a longtime very dear friend and companion .

She was a remarkably strong woman and had an enduring faith in God and loved listening to gospel music. Her favorite song was “One Day At  A Time Sweet Jesus”. She also loved cooking and was well known for her homemade yeast rolls. She was a mastermind storyteller whose tales could fill a room with laughter. Those fortunate enough to cross paths will Velma found themselves forever changed by her presence.

Velma leaves to cherish her memory, daughters Patricia Diane Walls and loving husband (James) of Smyrna TN, LaDoris Corbin of Lavergne, TN  and son Vincent Tyrone Cannon of Racine, WI; eight grandchildren, Pam Scretchen, Travis Cannon, Duni Esho, Tamika Esho, Travail Wilson, Alicia Peebles, Shara Cannon, Shalonda Cannon,13 great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren along with her treasured sisters Sarah Lee of Cottage Grove, MN, Christine Ingram of Atlanta, GA, and Elaine Malone of Florence, AL, brothers Eddie Gardner (Brenda) of Birmingham AL, James Gardner (Joyce) of Chicago, IL; and Otto Gardner Jr of Florence, AL; Toot and Toby Knox of Casper WY; a great aunt Charlene Robinson of Zion, IL, and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family gracefully acknowledges two of her loving and very devoted granddaughters Pam Scretchen (Derrick) of Nashville, TN and Tamika Esho of Milwaukee, WI. Thank you both so very much for your love and care of your grandmother.

A special thanks to the nurses and technicians at Sienna, Vitas and VMP Healthcare.