Evelyn Virginia Pratt Cannon

Funeral services for Evelyn Virginia Pratt Cannon of Monroe will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 3, 2012, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe, with Rev. David Worthington and Rev. Warren Eckhardt officiating. Graveside services will be at 1:00 PM Sunday, March 4, 2012, at Quattlebaum Cemetery in Van Buren County Arkansas with Rev. Shawn Welch officiating. Mrs. Cannon passed away on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, after a lengthy illness. She fought a long, strong battle for many years. Evelyn leaves behind four children: Marilyn Turner of Monroe, James Edward Cannon and wife Lia Morrison of Monroe, Charlotte Smith and husband Garry of Starkville, MS, and Michael Cannon and wife Kellye Holley of Mountain Home, AR; nine grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. She was lovingly called Nannie. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Margie Bernard Cannon; and niece, Deborah Pratt Rightmire. Evelyn was born to James Roy and Zelma Ruth Truitt Pratt on August 15, 1923 in Daingerfield, TX. She lived in many East Texas communities as she grew up. Her grandfather owned the first telephone office. During her later high school years, her family moved to Monroe, LA where she attended Ouachita Parish High School. After graduation she entered Northeast Louisiana State College in Monroe. At this time she met and married her husband, Ed Cannon, Jr., with whom she celebrated 61 wonderful years of marriage. When World War II ended, they made their home in Monroe, LA for a short time before moving to Oak Grove, LA. Here Ed was employed at the hospital. The family became a part of the community, serving in many leadership roles. Evelyn opened a private Children’s Kindergarten in her home where her love and talent for teaching young children influenced many. As a member and involved leader at First Baptist Church Oak Grove, she worked with children’s ministry for many years. Then a new turn in life experiences lead this family to Arkansas. Here they enjoyed the community and their many new friends. Some of their best memories were the times spent in their camper traveling around the country visiting places of their dreams and showing their handmade crafts. Evelyn created dolls of paper ribbon; each doll with its own personality. Clinton, AR became the home place for Ed and Evelyn’s retirement years. There they became members of the First Baptist Church of Clinton, AR, where they were involved in community missions and service. In her eighty’s she returned to Monroe, LA to be closer to her family. She was active in North Monroe Baptist Church, enjoying her fellowship with her Sunday School classmates and their many activities. The loves of her life were her God, her family, and her country. Preceding her in death were parents, brother, James Roy Pratt, Jr.; husband, Ed Cannon, Jr.; and great grandchild, Christopher Claude Turner. The family will receive family and friends Friday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe. The family would like to express their love and appreciation to Dr. Michael Hayward and staff, the many friends, and the exceptional caregivers for their expression of love, prayers and service. Pallbearers will be grandsons: Christopher Turner, Bradley and Ryan Smith, Jay Cannon, Cameron Cannon, and Brad Pevehouse. Memorials may be made to the children’s department of the church of your choice or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com