Ila Ann Marley Cannon

Ila Ann Marley Cannon passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with her husband, John M Cannon, Sr at her side. Ila Ann was a retired kindergarten teacher. She was also retired from her job as an Assistant Newspaper Route manager with the Virginian Pilot. Born and raised in Norfolk, VA, she was the daughter of the late Ila Bernice Marley and William Franklin Marley.
Ila Ann was a graduate of Granby High School, class of 1962, and later completed courses at Old Dominion University. She taught kindergarten at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Norfolk. She also managed a knitting and craft business, Frantic Fingers, located in Norfolk, VA. After several years working in the Loan Department at Southern Bank of Norfolk, she left the business world to raise newborn sons and became a full-time mother and homemaker. After residing in Norfolk for several years at the coaxing and cajoling of her husband, she reluctantly agreed to relocate to Chesapeake, VA, "But John, there's nothing out there" in 1988. Ila Ann was a proud member of the Lynnhaven parish, Daughters of the American Revolution.
Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband of 62 years, John M. Cannon, Sr., two loving sons, John, Jr. and William J. (Kathleen), grandchildren, Ben, Maddie, and Nate, her brother, William Franklin Marley Jr. (Margaret), nephew Brian Marley. She is also survived by a very special cousin, Keith Harris (Susan) her three devoted friends, Patricia Claypool, Bobbie Nettelhorst and Jackie Amerson as well as many extended relatives, close friends, and treasured acquaintances. The family and Ila Ann are especially grateful to her nurses and caregivers at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center and Oak Grove Healthcare and Rehab.
Visitation will take place on October 20, 2025 from 5:00- 7:00 pm at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., 1416 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322. A funeral service will be conducted on October 21, 2025 at 11:00 am, at St. Stephen Martyr Catholic Church with Rev. Brian Rafferty officiating. A reception will follow and burial will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Granby Street, Norfolk, VA.
The funeral mass will be livestreamed HERE on Facebook at St Stephen Martyr Chesapeake VA beginning at 10:55 am.