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Rita CANNUP Obituary
She had inner peace and faced each day courageously. The love of her family and friends kept her inspired. Her favorite hymn says it all for her, 'Beyond tomorrow, my skies will all be blue, Beyond tomorrow, my dreams come true, Beyond tomorrow, There will be no sorrow, for Christ will be with me throughout eternity.'
She leaves behind those who will carry on for her, her husband and friend, John; her children, Diana Shuster (Jeff) of Gloucester, Va., Kevin Adams (Terry) of Newport News, Va., Scott Mizelle (Deborah) of Newport News, Kristi Wensil of Concord, N.C., and Michelle Hefner of Sherrills Ford, N.C.; her grandchildren, Tommy and Wayne Meadows, Sarah Shuster, Christine Adams, Alex Mizelle, Marissa and Ryan Sumrell, Jason and Cory Greer, Alisha Smith, Whitney Miller and Claire Hefner; her sisters, Aleta Smoot (Barry), Sharon Hardin, Gladys Allen (Lee), Velma Tidwell (Lewis); brother, Ronnie Quillian; and a host of nieces and nephews.
God Bless All. The above words were written by Rita at some point during her courageous battle.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 7, at Peninsula Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 8, at Temple Baptist Church, 235 Harpersville Road, Newport News, by the Rev. D. Lynn Hardaway.
Family members wish to thank Dr. Kimberly Schlesinger and the staff of Peninsula Cancer Institute for their loving care. To Rita's loyal customers, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for loving Rita as much as we do.
In memory of Rita, contributions can be made to St. Jude, Heartland Hospice, 11835 Fishing Point Drive, Newport News, VA 23606; and Temple Baptist Church, 235 Harpersville Road, Newport News, VA 23601.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita CANNUP
July 14, 2010
Rita welcomed me and my children with open arms from the first time Kevin introduced us. She taught me many things and I know there was so much more to be taught. I will cherish every moment we spent together and will miss you forever. I promise to take care of Kevin and Johnny and to always make you proud. Rest In Peace...no more cancer!
Terry Sumrell
Sarah Carroll
July 13, 2010
John, Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. May God Bless You and all of Rita's family and keep you in his loving arms. I will keep all of you in my prayers. Sarah U. Carroll, Concord, NC
Jack Bausman
July 12, 2010
Johnny, Diana,Scott, Kevin and families.......I first met Rita in 1968 and was taken by her quick wit and sincerity. I enjoyed hanging around after my haircut and chatting with her. She never missed sending me a birthday card in all these years. I consider myself blessed to have known Rita and I will miss her dearly.
July 12, 2010
Johnny, Diana, Scott, Kevin and families, I first met Rita in 1967 and was taken by her quick wit and sincerity. She never missed sending me a birthday card in all these years. I looked forward to chatting with her after my haircut. I will miss her dearly and feel blessed to have known her.
Brandon, Bernadette and Brett Price
July 9, 2010
Scott & Deborah, Diana & Jeff and the entire family:
We are sorry to hear of your loss and hope that your memories will carry you through this difficult time. Know that she is no longer suffering.
Alyn Fife
July 9, 2010
John, we have all lost a good friend. Rita was a wonderful person and we will really miss her.
Kyle Helms
July 8, 2010
Rita was such a good fiend to my mom Nancy. Mom has nothing but good things to say about Rita. The little bit of time I had with her I could tell she was a very special woman. Johnny you have a special angel in your life to help guide you the rest of your journey. Sure things will be hard and different but somehow we are suppose to push on and do the best we can. If theres any thing I can do to help please let me know. God bless you and your family during these difficult times and I pray the Lord will comfort you.
July 8, 2010
We cannot put in words the loss we feel with Rita's passing. It seems she was always full of life and we hardly knew the suffering she was encountering but she was so brave and had such a wonderful outlook that she convinced everyone she was going to whip this cancer. We are so sorry she didn't. We will truly miss seeing her at least once a month.
Our sympathy goes out to all the family.
Bill and Mary Gross
Martha Stewart
July 8, 2010
John, I was so saddened to hear of Rita's death. What a beautiful person she was and her energy and spirit are for us all to remember and follow. I'll stay in touch with you and for now, wish you well in the days ahead.
July 8, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Dianne Anderson-Deloatch
July 7, 2010
Rita was the only person I would let cut my hair. I have known her for 20+ years and we would talk talk talk as she cut cut cut! I have since relocated to Florida, but she always remembered my birthay by sending me a card. Rita was a kind and gentle person, who will be greatly missed. To the family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless!
July 7, 2010
We are going to miss our friend, Rita. She always made me laugh, think, fuss and cry. We would always find things to talk about while I got my hair cut. To her family: Johnny, Kevin, Terry, Tommy, Christine: I have known you folks a long time and I feel like a member of Rita's family, too. She's going to be keeping her eye on us from heaven.
Take care of each other. I'm so sorry for our loss. Rita was the best.
Hugs,
Sherry
Joann and Bob George
July 7, 2010
To our friend, Rita. Even though we had known you a short time compared to others, you were always happy and willing to listen to our chatter, all the time fixing my hair beautifully and cutting Bob's four hairs. It was hard to believe you were so sick and brave. We will always remember your kindnesses to us and we will miss you tremendously.
July 7, 2010
GOD Bless you Rita. GOD Bless your family. Rita was a wonderful friend to my mother, Ranny Waddill, for many, many years. She will surely be missed. Thoughts and prayers to your family, Anne W. Brown
David &Rachael Tidwell
July 7, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss of Rita, just know she is in a much better place now, and in no pain. She has her wings and is smiling down on you..Please let us know if we can do anything
July 7, 2010
To Johnny and Family--My mother and my family are sorry to hear of Rita's passing--we will surely keep you all in our prayers--My Aunt Irene thought so much of you all-and she could not of had more thoughtful neighbors whom always watched out for her and helpful to us after her death. In Christ's Love-Susan Miller amd Kathyrn McNider--Irene's sister
Judy Heath-Houchens
July 7, 2010
There are so may great words that come to mind when I think of Rita! She was a long life friend to my mom. Rita and mom had some good times to tell...and some they may not want to tell, those were the best! There is no other hurt like losing someone so special, I'm so sad and very sorry.
Amy Condon
July 7, 2010
Scott, I was so sorry to hear about you mom's passing. I know this is a very difficult time for you and your family. You mom was such a wonderful person. Please know that I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I pray you find peace and comfort during this difficult time. Your NNPD family will always be there for you. Please let me know if you or your family should need anything at all. God bless you and your family.
Gloucester County HR Department
July 7, 2010
Dear Diana & Family,
We were sorry to learn of your mother's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God's love make your grief bearable.
July 7, 2010
My Grandmother, Peggy Game, was a customer of Rita's. She always had such wonderful things to say about her. We are all so sorry for your loss and wish comfort to all of those close to her.
Sherry Derkas
July 6, 2010
My heart goes out to all of Rita's family. Please know that you all are in my prayers. Rita was a great person with a big heart I am so sorry for your loss.
Beverly Lilly
July 6, 2010
Dear, sweet Rita. She was always there for anyone who needed her in any way. When I lost my son a few months ago Rita was there for me. A few years ago we were laughing about her Halloween socks that she was wearing. I commented that I'd never had any "special occasion" socks. A few days later a thick envelope came in the mail. In it was a pair of Halloween socks. For the next year shortly before each holiday I got a pair of socks in the mail. Thank you Rita. I'll always cherish my socks.
God bless you, her family.
Cindy Sapienzo (Smith)
July 6, 2010
I was truly saddened to learn of the passing of such a wonderful and generous woman. She was a dear friend of our family for many years. She showed such courage and determination in her battle against her cancer--she is now free of her pain and that's a blessing. Rest in Peace, Rita. You will be missed!
July 6, 2010
Dear family, Rita was The Best part of my Mom's week, we both loved her so much ! Honestly she was one of my Most favorite people! She is and was Awesome! Deedee Scott Jamison
Larry Reine Jr
July 6, 2010
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Bettie Daniels
July 6, 2010
Dear Scott, Deborah & Alex, I was so saddened the hear of your mother, grandmother passing away. This will be one of the hardest days of your lives, and my heart goes out to you all. Hold on to the wonderful times you all shared together. Know in your heart she is smiling and watching over you all with each passing day.
John Lawson
July 6, 2010
John all of us at W. M. Jordan Company have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Craig Helms
July 6, 2010
Rita was a sincere friend to my mother Nancy, and an inspiration to our family. She will truly be missed.
Sherry Stokes
July 6, 2010
Rita was a friend of the family for so long, particularly for my mother, Marylene Smith. She was a very giving person. When my mother-in-law passed away a few years ago, Rita did her hair beautifully, saying that was the last gift she could give to her friends and customers. She will certainly be missed.
Larry,Lisa, Devin & Bryce Rilee
July 6, 2010
Dianna, Jeff, Wayne, Scott, Deborah, Alex and family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you all at this time of sorrow.
Marcie Renner
July 6, 2010
John, you are in my thoughts.
July 6, 2010
My deepest sympathy to Rita's family. You only need to read the guest book to see how loved and respected she was. In the sad days ahead, may God grant you comfort and joy that she was such a wonderful part of your family. God Bless and keep you all.
Janice Kirby Baxter
Apryl Croswell
July 6, 2010
We spent many years with Mrs.Rita on and off the ballfield. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her and she will be truly missed. My sincere sympathies to her family. She is in a better place and will suffer no more.
Debbie Criner
July 6, 2010
My Prayers are with the family. Rita was the most couragest person I have ever known.
SWING FOR A CAUSE 2009/JUS KUTN UP
Pat Bausman
July 6, 2010
John, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very,very sad time. Rita has left a huge hole in all our hearts and our lives, but as we remember her, she will be with us always. So many times she supported us and our family in the loss of loved ones and was always there with her wonderful "shoulder". Her pragmatic good humor and that twinkle in her eye kept us all in line! She will be greatly missed.
Amy Bradley
July 6, 2010
Rita has been a family friend of ours for years. I have fond memories of her cutting my hair as a little girl. A few shorts years ago, she began cutting both my young boys' hair. They adored her, as did I. I know she touched the lives of everyone she met with her upbeat, outgoing personality.
She courageously faced each day, and fought the battle of cancer, when most would have just given up. My condolences to her family in this most difficult time. May you find strength in God, knowing Rita is now in a better place. God bless!
Billie Deese
July 6, 2010
I will miss Rita very much.I was so saddened by her death. She was a wonderful hairdresser as well as a friend. She was and will continue to be an inspiration to me. She went through so much but always had such a positive attitude. She was indeed a very strong person. She loved her family and spoke of them always. Let all of your wonderful memories of her bring you comfort. God bless you all.
July 6, 2010
My deepest sympathy goes out to this wonderful family at this time of need..I have to admit that Mrs. Rita was the most couragest and bravest woman I knew..I was very blessed to have meet her, and her family. She always kept a smile on my face at the ball field..Mrs. Rita you will truly be missed and will always hole that special place in my heart! SWING FOR A CAUSE 2009
Brandy Peacoe- JUS KUTN UP
Jay Musser
July 6, 2010
Sweet Rita will be sorely missed by not only her family, but also by the thousands of friends and clients she had throughout her life. She treated everyone like family and watched over us like a mother hen. She was a very compasionate lady and would go out of her way to care for clients who could no longer come to her shop. That included a trip to the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in 2001 to give my cancer patient wife a much needed trim for which Rita would not take a dime. Rita had a heart of gold and gave much more than she ever received. Her Heavenly Father has most certainly welcomed her, with open arms, into her new home. May God bless her and the family she left behind.
Amy Chandler
July 6, 2010
We are sorry for the loss of dear Rita. She was a dear friend of our entire family for over 40 years. We were blessed to have her as part of our lives. My mother saw Rita as true best friend and looked forward to her weekly visit. We love you Rita and will miss you!
Amy Chandler, Freida & Ralph Grogan
July 6, 2010
Our deepest sympathies and all our love are with you all now and always..just as Rita has been in our hearts since the first day we met her. She leaves an emptiness that cannot be replaced. God Bless You All. Dianne and Mindy McRoy
July 6, 2010
Our hearts are with Rita and her family - we will miss her very much! We are lucky to have known her for many, many years. Barbara & Charlie Boyer (Williamsburg, VA)
Dennis Ivey
July 6, 2010
Rita was very special to my family and me. She always treated me like one of her family! She was a strong, loving person! I loved her!! I will miss her! Love and sympathy to John, Scott, Kevin, Dianna and the rest of the family!!
Ivey
July 6, 2010
You have been a most trusted friend and a part of our family for more than 35 years. The world will not be as sunny without your kind nature and very giving spirit. Hope they have a softball field in heaven because you will indeed be the Captain. We love you! The Burns Family-Dreama, Susan, Debbie, Jay & Kelley
The Holt Family
July 6, 2010
We are so sorry to hear of Rita's passing. She and our mother, Elsie Holt were not only close neighbor's but very good friends and they looked out for each other. Elsie was so upset to hear of her passing and our family will keep Rita's family in our prayers. May all the memories you have shared help you find peace in this most difficult time.
Cheryl Nicholas
July 6, 2010
Scott, Deborah and Alex, for you who are left behind, I offer my prayers and thoughts at this difficult time. For your mom, Rita, I offer thoughts of celebration, for she has found victory against all things here on this earth. Please let us know if wer can help in anyway.
Horsley Family
July 6, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
charlie tidwell
July 6, 2010
aunt rita i will miss you everyday but i know you are in no pain and you hugging all of the family we are missing down here. i love you aunt rita
Dale Teagle
July 6, 2010
My deepest sympathy, thoughts, and prayers to Rita's family. Rita was an inspiration to all in her determination and bravery while battling cancer. She was a dear friend and her death will leave a void in my heart and the hearts of many others. God bless you all.
Dale Teagle
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