Karen “Melissa” Cannon

Cartwheels. Hanson. Passion. Truth. Love. Fiercely Loyal. Protective. These are some words that describe and truly encompass all that Melissa was on Earth. After a fierce battle with ovarian cancer, Karen Melissa Cannon passed away in Dallas, TX on December 1, 2023 at the age of 37.

She was born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1986 to Bart and Karen Cannon. Melissa loved her parents fiercely and always kept them on their toes. She was Dad's "Only blue eyed baby girl" and Mom's protector. Dad and Melissa always shared a bond over their love for music and ice cream.

Mom and Melissa loved shopping and just talking or spending time together. When we were children, Dad created opportunities to build memories. For example, he made sure we took family vacations every summer-especially to the beach. Melissa often looked at pictures of those vacations, because she loved the beach so much. It was her happy place.

Melissa also is survived by three siblings: Keri Cannon (Hunt), Beth Cannon (Todd), and Jonathan (Jon) Cannon. Melissa loved each of her siblings with ferocity and pushed each of us to be the best we could be-even when it made us uncomfortable.

Keri and Melissa shared many memories over their dogs. The last year of her life, Beth was able to live and bond with Melissa. They shared moments just sitting together, talking about life, and the future. Melissa never took a moment for granted and would say, "I just like being in your presence," which is a memory that Beth will forever cherish.

Jon was her favorite. As a child, Melissa and her sisters specifically prayed for a "baby brother" and, when he was born, it was the best day of our little lives. Melissa was able to live in Portland, OR with Jonathan. This was the time she was happiest. When she spoke of Jon, the joy that exuded was palpable. They shared a love for good music, food, Cannon Beach, waterfalls, and the beauty that was Oregon. She was so proud of each of her siblings. She would, without a thought, jump in the line of fire to defend each of us.

Melissa did not have the opportunity to have her own children; however, she did have Emma - her fur baby. Melissa affectionately called Emma "Bear" and loved her with her whole heart. Where Emma was, Melissa wasn't far behind. Even when she wasn't home, she would always make sure her "bear" was taken care of and happy. She also loved her other fur baby, Shelby-although Emma will always be her number one.

Melissa liked to say that Emma gave her something to believe in and motivation to keep going. She made sure that everyone knew her pups were her emotional support and protected them with all her might.

In addition, she also has a nephew (Jonah) and niece (Madelyn). Early in their lives, Melissa was able to nanny for both Jonah and Madelyn. She loved her "baby Jonah" so much. They loved using snapchat filters, going to the Lego store and having dance parties. When Madelyn was born, I remember Melissa saying, "I'm not sure she will be as good as Jonah." She recently told me she was "pleasantly surprised" that Madelyn turned out to be as good as she is. Melissa and Madelyn shared their love of jewelry. In fact, Melissa gave Madelyn one of her own "M" necklaces, which she wore night and day for weeks. She loved dance parties with her Aunt 'Lissa and just being in her presence. Melissa told her, "Don't you let anyone hurt you or there will be hell to pay." She meant this with her whole heart, and I believe she always will. Jonah and Madelyn were the most blessed though because they had an Aunt 'Lissa who loved them for who they were, wholeheartedly. She was their biggest fan, and they will be hers-always.

Growing up, Melissa always sought out new experiences and friendships and often pushed others to live outside their comfort zones. She loved her childhood friends and often reminiscenced about cheerleading, pushing the boundaries in middle school, and maneuvering the unknown. She never knew a stranger and was welcoming to all those she met. She was lucky to have so many wonderful childhood friends-especially Courtney Scott, who helped take care of her during her illness without hesitation. Although, she did not remain "close" friends with many people from her childhood, she spoke about her childhood with fondness and remembered all those who had made an impact. More recently, she told me that she had learned the importance of "quality" friendships vs. quantity. Especially after her diagnosis, she wanted to ensure that those in her life would be speaking positivity into her life and understand that life is more about ourselves. Those of you that remained in her life know who you are. She loved each of you with ferocity.

Melissa graduated from Cleburne High School in Cleburne, TX and went on to study at Texas Christian University where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Marketing. Throughout her life, Melissa explored many positions and never settled for being "content." She continuously sought out opportunities that would help her grow, while also fueling her passions for people and wellness.

Perhaps her most life-changing decision came when she found a nanny position with Brooke and Ken Hopkins in Dallas, TX. Melissa spoke about how she wanted to do things that "mattered," and when she met the Hopkins, she felt like what she did mattered. She felt she was making a difference and felt peace and joy. The Hopkins became like family to her - especially Beckett and Kaden. When she spoke of them, she beamed with pride. She didn't go a day without mentioning how grateful she was to have them in her life. She loved them ferociously.

Although Melissa's life was cut too short, her impact was immense and will continue. She challenged all those around her. When you think of Melissa, you feel energy and passion. Melissa never met a stranger. When she met people, she spoke into their lives. She wasn't afraid to speak truth. In fact, she, often, called herself a "truth teller." She was quick to stand up for anyone who she felt needed a voice. She could see and sense things none of us could, and she pushed everyone to face those fears. Melissa didn't have an easy journey, but she never gave up. She took responsibility for every decision and did her best to do the right thing. She didn't let her mistakes and past define her. Instead, she allowed them to guide her to do more, be better, and fight harder.

Melissa was preceded in death by her grandparents Parker and Bettye Cannon and Robert L. and Annabel Crawford and her uncle, Robert A. "Bobby" Crawford. She is survived by her parents Bart and Karen Cannon; siblings Keri Hunt (Dan), Beth Todd, and Jon niece Madelyn Todd and nephew Jonah Todd.

We couldn't have asked for a better daughter, sibling and friend. We will miss her every single day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those that loved her. She will continue to push us all to live a little bolder, laugh harder, love bigger, and stand taller.

Melissa's happiest place was in Portland, OR. A celebration of life is being planned for her birthday, March 9, 2024, at Cannon Beach in Oregon. Those that wish to attend may reach out to the family for more information.

In lieu of flowers and meals, please donate to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. This organization was close to Melissa's heart. Please use the following link to donate: https://tribute.ocrahope.org/melissacannon. While you're at it, turn some cartwheels, listen to some Hanson music and have a dance party. Melissa will be there, in spirit.