Lake City , Florida
Mrs. Irma Jane Graham Cannon, 79 of Lake City died on April 11, 2006 at her home. She was born in Conway, SC to the late Fred G. and Della Crawford Graham and (step-mother) Leona Lane Graham and moved to Lake City in 1965 with her husband and daughter. She founded and directed what has become the First United Methodist Pre-K. This became her ministry for the next thirty-nine years. She was the heart of a warm and nurturing program that has been an effective foundation of education for over 3,500 students. Mrs. Cannon graduated from Coker College in 1947 with a major in English and a minor in Business and had special training certification in Early Childhood Education. She enjoyed her family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was Rotary Citizen of the year in 1998, she was recognized in Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals in 2003 and 2004, she also received the EPSILON SIGMA ALPHA distinguished Athenian service award for the State of Florida as outstanding Educational Director. Mrs. Cannon was past educational Director of FUMC and served on the nursery committee and administrative board, she was past Vice President of FUMC women’s organization, a member of Lake City-Columbia Association for Children Under Six and was a member of First United Methodist Church for the past 41 years. She is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years Thomas M. Cannon.
Mrs. Cannon is survived by one daughter, Anne Cannon Olmsted (Frank), Lake City, one brother, Fred Graham (Burnley), Greenville, SC and one sister, Jo Ellen Williams (Larry), Melbourne. Four grandchildren, Sarah McColskey Mims (Patrick), Lake City, Thomas Graham Olmsted, Lake City, Frank Olmsted, III (Christy), The Woodlands, TX, Michael Wayne Olmsted (Dawn), Alpharetta, GA, seven great-grandchildren, Marissa Mims, Lake City, Allison, Kaleigh and Greyson Olmsted, The Woodlands, TX, Michael Jr., Graham, and Katie Grace Olmsted, Alpharetta, GA and many nieces and nephews also survive.
Celebration of life services for Mrs. Cannon will be conducted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 at 2:00 P.M. at First United Methodist Church, Lake City with Dr. David Paul and Reverend Doug Clewis officiating . Visitation with the family will be Friday evening from 5-7 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church Pre-K, 973 S. Marion Ave., Lake City, FL 32025 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the GATEWAY~FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 South Highway 441, Lake City. 386-752-1954 Please sign the guestbook at www.gatewayforestlawn.com
Anne, I so appreciated your Mom attending my mother's visitation March 5. I would imagine it was you who took her there. Who would have thought? I appreciate, also, her influence on Jason and Justin and her friendship with Jerry and me. Take care, my friend.
Vicki Lang
May 07, 2006
What an amazing lady. And what an amazing number of lives she had a positive influence on, mine included! I especially remember as a 4 year old being allowed to have an "un-Birthday Party" at school because my birthday fell during summer. Now that's an understanding teacher.
Shannon Poplin Bradley
April 15, 2006 | NY, NY
Erma was such an inspiration to me and my family and a delight to know. She will surely be missed by everyone. Your are in our thoughts and prayers.
Betty Pat and Tommy Witt
April 15, 2006 | Lake City, FL
Anne, I'm so sorry. Your mother was loved and adored by so many and will be missed terribly. She was Buzzy's first teacher (as well as so many others) and he adored her too. What a wonderful and beautiful person she was....My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of profound grief and loss. Much love from Debbie.
Deborah Koons
April 15, 2006 | Atlantic Beach, FL
Irma Cannon was a wonderful woman and a cherished treasure in this community. Every time we crossed paths she'd take the time to stop and tell me how I reminded her of her Tommy. He had been a SVTA bus driver for our clients at CARC and after his retirement returned as their friend to visit and host a cookout for them. Irma was at his side and supported him all the way. She was gracious and loving. She was one of a kind and will certainly be missed.
John & Sandy Furches
April 15, 2006 | Lake City, FL
So many lives have been touched by such a very special person. Heaven has gained another angel. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the wonderful family during these difficult times.
Bobby and Mona Simmons/Bridget Brannan
April 14, 2006 | Lake City, FL
you were a great role model and a godsend for both of my children, codi and chrysten. earth was a better place with you being in charge. thank you for your guidence and enfluence. you were loved and will be missed.
George Hudson Jr.
April 14, 2006 | Lake City, FL
When I told my daughter, Callahan (5), that Mrs. Cannon had gone to heaven, her response was, "I'm sure glad they had the playground dedication before she died." She was right. It was such a blessing to be able to honor Mrs. Cannon for all of her years of service. Mrs. Cannon called my son, Witt, on his birthday last week and he will always remember that. She would call Witt and let him know when Thomas was going to be on TV. I feel very fortunate to have been a student of hers and even...
Gigi Witt Register
April 14, 2006 | Lake City, FL
I can see Ms. Cannon right now all dressed up in her red outfit. She was the most beautiful lady. She will truly be missed.
Patti Witt Summerlin
April 14, 2006 | Lake City, FL
