Karen “Melissa” Cannon

Melissa was such a bright light in my life. I met her in high school when we dated guys who were best friends. Those relationships didn't last, but our friendship did. We both ended up going to TCU and became very close during our time there. If you were lucky enough to get caught between us, we would hug you or smooch your cheek and congratulate you for being in a "Melissa Sandwich". I loved Melissa's laugh and positive outlook on life. She visited me in Dallas after graduation and met a lot of my buddies when we would go out in Uptown. I lost touch with Melissa over the last few years and am truly saddened that I didn't get to catch up with her one last time. She touched so many people in her short time on earth and has left a hole in all of our hearts. Your free spirit is now completely free, sweet friend. Love you bunches.

There are countless memories I had with Melissa in my life. She was a great friend to me over the years.

I first met Melissa in college. We were college roommates at TCU. We lived at the cockrell house near the campus. Her room was right next to mine. I remember when she first got Emma, her fur baby. She encouraged me to get a dog too! I received Dani, my teacup chihuahua, shortly after she got Emma. My fur baby, Dani always had health issues during that time and Melissa always knew how to comfort me. She helped take care of my first baby, Dani. I remember staying up late to watch Friends marathons with her in my bed. I had all the DVDs because I was a bit obsessed. We would eat M&ms and watch Friends on the smallest TV ever! When I think of how FUN college was, I´m always thinking of Melissa and Heather. I was a bit shy and naive before I met them. They showed me the ropes and we all developed a special bond over the years. After I moved out of the cockrell house, Melissa still lived there. I remember, Eric Reaves, my now husband, invited me to his show at the Aardvark. He played the guitar and I kept asking Melissa if she would go with me. She finally caved and went to the show with me! That was when Eric and I reconnected and rekindled our relationship. I´m not sure I would have gone to Eric´s show if it wasn´t for Melissa. We have been married for almost 10 years. Melissa came to my wedding back in 2014.

In more recent years, We spent a lot of time together drinking delicious wine, enjoying a shrimp cocktail from Costco, going to dinners or having a girls night. She convinced me to buy a peloton in 2018! I still ride my peloton to this day. I am always reminded of her when I clip in. Her fav instructors were always Robin, Alex, and of course, Cody. She spent some time with my son, Jacob and met Benjamin when he was 2 weeks old! She always found a way to reach out, no matter how busy our lives were. I am forever grateful she always reached out. She was the glue that held our friendship together. I will always admire her adventurous spirit and her zest for life. She was a one of kind and she will be remembered in my heart forever.