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Kelly Cannon Obituary
Obituary
Kelly Lee Cannon, of Estero, Florida was called home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 16, 2006 at Joanne's House in Bonita Springs following a courageous battle with brain cancer.
Born February 8, 1956 in Bradenton, Florida Kelly grew up and lived most of her life in Florida. She graduated from Ft. Myers High School in 1974 and from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
After graduation Kelly returned to Florida and combined her love for children and her love for the Lord as Director of Children's Ministry. Through the years, Kelly shared this love with children at McGregor Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Naples, First Baptist Church of Cape Coral and First Baptist Church of Estero. Hundreds of children and adults found their hope of eternal life in Heaven by trusting Christ as their Savior through her compassionate Christian ministries.
Kelly enjoyed her position as Realtor and Builder Rep for Coastal Living Homes, and enjoyed her hobby as an accomplished pilot. Kelly was a beloved member of First Baptist Church of Estero.
Kelly is survived by her sister, Hollie Michele Powell; brother, Gayland Patrick (Margaret) Cannon; grandmother, Virginia Ryan; nephew, Aaron Powell; niece, Rachel Cannon; Aunt Billy Hesch and her many friends whose lives she has touched in a special way.
Kelly is preceded by the passing of her loving parents, Jack and Vivian Cannon and her sister Jill Cannon.
A Celebration to honor Kelly's Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 21, 2006 at McGregor Baptist Church, 6750 Colonial Blvd., Ft. Myers. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.
There will be a private burial at Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens preceding Kelly's Celebration Day.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Kelly's name may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship of SW Florida, P.O. Box 100981, Cape Coral, Florida 33910 and Teen Challenge of SW Florida, P.O. Box 60802, Ft. Myers, FL 33906.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kelly Cannon
Janet Musselwhite
November 13, 2006
Kelly Cannon has always and will always hold a special place in my heart. She was 'the real deal'. I admire the transparent life she lived for God. She was so intentional in her service for her Lord. She always went over the top when she expressed her appreciation to those who served under her leadership. Seems like she could not do enough to say thanks! She set the bar high for all who desire to serve God. I am deeply saddened that I was out of town and unable to attend the celebration service. I continue to celebrate her life and I keep her family and close friends in my prayers. I look forward to seeing her again one day when I visit her in her 'condo'. Kelly always referred to her home in Heaven as condo type living....I am sure she is busy even there.
Michelle(LaMotte) Johnston
October 26, 2006
Oh, Miss Kelly. She was one of the most influential people in my young teen years she helped me get through those awkward middle school times. I have never known a more beautiful person inside and out. The memories go on forever! Lots of love.
Joe & Rita Massey
October 25, 2006
I am blessed to have been in the Kelly Cannon school of Children's Ministry! She passed on her vision to reach every child for Christ. I praise God for His gift of Kelly.
ileana ramos
October 25, 2006
Our Sweet Kelly -thank you for being more than extraordinary - you are as beautiful inside as the Lord made you on the outside -our inspiration - we love & miss you - we'll see you someday with Jesus -love
ileana, Lili & Gina
carl darby
October 23, 2006
Kelly - you taught me so much about life, about evangelizing (what a gift), and I treasure those special moments we shared. Your last email to me asked me to get you some more chocolate from England and bring it home personally! Not possible, as my circumstances had changed so that I could not come back "home"...I know you are enjoying the triumphant victory in Christ Jesus right now that you preached everywhere we went. You were a true inspiration and I'll miss everything about you, but treasure the impact you had on me, in His name. See you again one day!
{Hollie - please email me via this website - would love to chat}
Steve Chesnut Jr.
October 23, 2006
I’ve been thinking all week “she led me to Jesus and now she is with Him.” I was only a little boy, and it was only a short prayer, but it took. I look forward to thanking her again in eternity. I’m sure there will be a long line. Thank you, Jesus for your servant Miss Kelly.
Debbie Jackson
October 23, 2006
Kelly really did show us all how to live and how to die; in peace and with joy. I know the cofetti was flowing upon your homecoming! "Thank you for giving to the Lord". We are all lives that have been changed.
Craig and Sharon Wallace
October 23, 2006
We were blessed to have known Kelly for many years. So many great memories to keep. We look forward to seeing her again soon.
Michelle Musselwhite
October 22, 2006
Miss Kelly,
You were such a great example of a beautiful woman of God. Thank you for sharing your life and love with us all. You are such a tremendous leader, even in your passing you encourage us all to be our best for His best! Thank you for all you meant to me and many other young people, Thank you for helping me see God's Calling on my life. Thank you for nurturing all of us, and setting the standard for Children's Ministry.
Michelle Musselwhite
Bob Drury
October 22, 2006
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dorlissa Munson
October 22, 2006
SEE YOU IN THE MORNIN'
@ @
~
George and Nancy Hannah
October 22, 2006
We know Kelly is in a beautiful mansion in heaven now. We only knew her for a short time, but knew her to be a very strong christian.We met her at First Baptist Church of Cape Coral.We lived in North Fort Myers at that time.
October 22, 2006
The Schantz family
Lukas Selberg (10 yrs. old)
October 21, 2006
Kelly,
I may have never met you but if you're a friend of my Dad's then you're a friend of mine. I'm glad that you care for children like me and I pray that you will have an incredible time in heaven with God.
David, Abbie, Drew & Avery Burdette
October 21, 2006
Kelly's memory will always bring a smile to our faces, because that is always how she greeted us and how she always approached her ministry with the children.
Mary Jo (Goodheart) Hart
October 21, 2006
I was lucky enough to meet Kelly in junior high, and go on through high school with her. She was one of the sweetest girls I knew, and always had a smile for everyone. I know that anyone who had the opportunity to meet her felt the same way ... that she was special.
Alyce Bochette
October 21, 2006
Life is hard. . God is good
Bless Kelly in Love & Light
Jennifer Lee
October 20, 2006
I Knew Kelly from First Baptist Church of Naples. Kelly was such a beautiful and kind person. She was truely an angel to everyone and always a blessing and fun to be around. I really enjoyed the time I have gotton to spend with her over the years as well as these past few months. I will miss her very much but rejoice at the fact that she is enjoying her life now in Heaven. I thank God for allowing the time she and I have had together . She has taught me a lot and I cant wait to go out and reach the world bringing them to Christ like she has done. I thank Go for such a wonderful friend. Thank you Kelly for being such an inspiration and blessing in my life. We love you and will miss you.
Debbi Coe
October 20, 2006
Kelly,
You were an angel on earth and now you are an angel in Heaven. Those you have left here are sadden, but those you have gone home to are rejoicing. It may feel like to us you left to soon, but Jesus has now said, "Well done my good a faithful servant." Thank you for the love of Jesus you gave to so many.
Liz Maik
October 20, 2006
Miss Kelly was such a mentor to me growing up and a great example of someoone who was content with her life no matter what. She was my children's minister and after 5th grade she became like an aunt to me. She always invested her time into me; whether it was weekends at her house, shopping, running errands together....she was never too worn out from the kids at work to spend time with me when she went home. I will miss her, but her example of a God fearing, selfless, and beautiful woman has made a lasting impression in my life.
Tammy Brantley Goodwin
October 20, 2006
Kelly is such a beautiful person, and she will be missed. I knew her years ago when she worked on staff at McGregor Baptist Church. Her love for children and her passion to tell every one of them about Jesus touched me. I look forward to seeing Kelly again one day in heaven!
Corey and Rene Younger
October 20, 2006
We had the priviledge of knowing Kelly for the past 34 years, it started in the McGregor Youth Program. Later we were able to serve with her at McGregor. She was always a great example to us and was love by all. Her witness to others will serve as her crown and her shining glory. She will be missed by many but not ever forgotten.
Pat Wheeler
October 20, 2006
I didn't know Kelly personally but I learned a lot about her over the last weeks and months. I learned that she was a woman of faith who had made a difference in the lives of others. As an employee at McGregor Baptist Church we were continually updated on Kelly's physical condition as the church family was called to pray. Kelly, I didn't know you in this life but we will meet in the next life at the precious feet of Jesus and spend eternity together with Him. All is well with our soul because we have trusted the Saviour. Rest in peace, my sister.
Dan and Karen Iverson
October 20, 2006
Kelly was so gifted and creative. We have wonderful memories of Vacation Bible School at McGregor! So many children's (and adults')lives have been changed by her ministry- what a legacy she leaves!
James Jackson
October 20, 2006
Kelly was important in the lives of our children, especially Jimmy. She took their participation in Sunday School to other levels by organizing trips to nursing homes and in helping out others in need - not just another trip to the amusement parks. Jimmy has been forever touched by seeing the life of a dedicated, happy servant through the life of Kelly. Please accept our prayers for comfort and peace to all her family and friends. Certainly, she was one of the finest among us.
Tim Selberg
October 20, 2006
Kelly, I can't believe you're gone. We knew each other for over 20 years and you meant so much to me. Your passing is hard to accept - the last time we spoke you were so optimistic. You really sounded like yourself and I was so pleased. I know you'd have written that children's book on people with disabilities you talked about and I'd have been honored to illustrate it.
I miss you Kelly but know that Jesus holds you now in His loving embrace...
Beverly Day
October 20, 2006
Kelly worked so very hard, many times into the late night hours, to make sure every "t" was crossed and every "i" was dotted to provide her absolute best for the Lord and children she served. I enjoyed working with her those six years at FBCN! She truly did fight the good fight in every area!
Glen Schaffer
October 20, 2006
Our family had the pleasure of serving with Kelly at MBC for a number of years. She helped us put together a puppet team of adults and kids the serve in the children's ministry. She was truly an example of what it means to serve the Lord. Even while she was suffering with her health problems she continued to keep her focus on reaching others for the Lord. She will be missed.
Renee Buchanan and Family
October 20, 2006
Miss Kelly's presence with filled with his Love and Grace. She has fueled us all with her Love for Jesus. She is Home and I feel Blessed to know her. My thoughts and prayers to her family and to all that were touched by Kelly.
Michael Myers
October 20, 2006
Once in a while someone special crosses paths with you in lifes journey.That someome was Kelly for me. Kelly you inspired Me. Thanks I will miss you.
Ted & Sandy Kadow
October 20, 2006
There are few people that exhibit such a love and devotion of Jesus Christ that the world around them is impacted for God. Kelly was one of those people, and while the world will miss her, she is with her best friend and Savior. Our prayer is that God will raise up another light of His love in this dark world.
VALERIE SMITH
October 20, 2006
Kelly began her "career for Christ" so young! I remember her witnessing to me in Junior High! She was always so gentle, yet persistent. I was thrilled to be able to tell her 10 years later that I had accepted Jesus as my Saviour and Lord. Thank you to all who took care of Kelly in her last days.
Kay Chapman
October 19, 2006
I knew Kelly while my family served the Lord with her at McGregor 28 years ago. All who knew Kelly, loved her. I grieve her death because of the loss of such a beautiful soul on this earth, and my prayers are with her family.
Katy Habibnejad (Carroll)
October 19, 2006
Ft. Myers High class of 1974 has lost a precious classmate.
That beautiful smile with live on for every reunion hereafter.
Don and Rose Witt
October 19, 2006
We loved working with Kelly and the children at First Baptist Naples. We shared a love for VBS and Hallelujah Night. We will miss her but we'll see her again in Glory.
Tracey Moses
October 19, 2006
Kelly was one of the most Godly women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She heald my daughter when she was a baby, and she is now 14. She has always been an encouragement to me and my family. She is dearly loved, and will be remembered always. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, and dear friends that escorted her to the gates of heaven.
Lisa Wilton
October 19, 2006
Kelly was in my prayers for many weeks as I followed her progression through e-mail's. (First Baptist Church Naples/Bible Boomers) I didn't know her, but what a special lady she was. Her heavenly reward shall certainly be magnificent! I continue to prayer for Kelly's family and friends who were so very close to her. God Bless you all!
Cheryl Moore
October 19, 2006
Kelly had a heart of gold and a sweet, precious spirit that touched everyone, adults and children! I have so many dear memories of serving under her at McGregor Baptist Church. Kelly had an awesome team of dedicated servants because of her love for the Lord. She would inspire us to righteousness by her wisdom and compassion for the lost. I appreciated that she never lowered the standard of excellence and we were delighted to serve under that standard! Kelly was beautiful inside and out and Jesus overflowed out from her heart. She had gone more than the extra mile, she had ran the marathon! I praise the Lord that my family had "such a time as this" to know and be touched by Kelly's ministry. What a difference she made in people's lives!! Her cup runneth over. Thank you, Lord, for sharing her with us. It is no wonder that you desire such a sweet spirit to join you in eterinty!
Rachel Norton
October 19, 2006
I knew Kelly through her ministry at McGregor Baptist. I admired Kelly for her character, personality and devotion to our Lord. She was a true example of grace and beauty. Kelly's legacy will live on in the hearts of so many of us who were honored to know and love her.
Debbie Morrow
October 19, 2006
Kelly had a passion for the LORD and a genuine love for the children that gave us the joy and priviledge to be under her wing at McGregor Baptist Children's ministry. Her smile and enthusiasm for sharing the LORD will be remembered. My children loved Miss Kelly and she holds a special place in our heart. Praise God for the time we had with her.
Linda Green
October 19, 2006
See you in the morning.
First Baptist Church of Naples
Linda Green
October 19, 2006
See you in the morning.
Sherri Campbell
October 19, 2006
Kelly loved Jesus with all of her heart. She influenced many people young and old. I was an honor to have her as a mentor and friend. Kelly's legacy will always live on.
Martha Stevenson
October 19, 2006
I had the privilege of serving under Kelly for 10 years at MBC. The kids all thought she was an angel, with her soft voice and gentle ways. She could realy get anyone to do just about anything if it meant serving Jesus with love and purpose! Kelly had incredible visions for the children that came from a constant vigil of prayer and service. She was able to put on productions that easily rivaled some of the commercial productions like Nikelodeon, Disney, etc. Yet her focus was on being there in a gentle, soft way to share the love of Jesus with children and adults. She could snuggle a child in a rocker and talk to a small group, or stand in front of an auditorium with hundreds of children and adults. She motivated a huge number of volunteers to excellence, keeping their loyalty and ministry in place for years. She took the time to go door to door for each Sunday School class and participate with all the children and the teachers. We were all used to her walking in during the lesson and saying something insightful and encouring. She worked for endless hours, but never closed her door to anyone, or shielded herself from the many demands. We were blessed to have her with us for so long!
Gene and Connie Sutton
October 19, 2006
Kelly loved her Lord more than anything else. His light shone from her eyes and reflected in everything she did. She was our dear friend and we will miss her greatly. She is where she longed to be.
Darla (Beach) Dunson
October 19, 2006
Kelly was a talented and lovely lady and my thought and prayers are with her family.
Kelly Short
October 19, 2006
I never really had a chance to form a close relationship with Kelly when she was a part of First Baptist Church Naples, but her influence in the lives of children was well known and spoken of often. I am so glad to know that her life was filled with the beauty and grace of the Lord Jesus and that she was a faithful witness for Him especially during her battle with cancer. May God bless her loved ones with His peace and grace.
Ann LaMotte
October 19, 2006
Kelly's love for Jesus and her dedication to the children is a blessing and example to all of us. She expected the best from those of us who were fortunate enough to work with her and she led by example. She will be missed on this earth but is rejoicing with our Lord today. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Beth Lindenmeyer
October 19, 2006
Great Godly woman! She will be missed by all. She sure had a positive impact on my life!
Esla Gonzalez
October 19, 2006
Kelly,
You will always be in our hearts and thoughts.
Melissa Stott
October 19, 2006
My prayers are with Kelly's family. I knew her from her Ministry at McGregor Baptist. She was such a sweet person who really loved the Lord. She visited me when my little boy, then a baby, was in the hospital and prayed with me. She will truly be missed by all who knew her.
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