Betty Loraine (Thompson) Cannon

Betty Loraine Thompson Cannon, longtime resident of the District 15 Community in Fayette County, retired Somerville Manufacturing Company employee and wife of Lemuel T. Cannon died Monday evening, December 12, 2011 at her daughter’s residence in the Michie Community near Pickwick. She was 75 years of age and died following an extended illness.

Services of Remembrance for Mrs. Cannon were conducted at 2 P.M. Wednesday, December 14th at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in District 15 with Rev. Don Hammons of the church officiating. Interment followed in the Mt. Olive Cemetery. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes and Cremation Center — Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mrs. Cannon, affectionately known by many as “MawMaw” Cannon, was born April 14, 1936 in Fayette County. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Thompson and Ora Lee Perrigo Thompson. She lived her entire life in Fayette County and was married August 27, 1954 to her beloved husband, Lemuel T. Cannon, who survives.

Mrs. Cannon had been a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church for many years. She was a homemaker throughout her life and was also employed in the sewing department of local manufacturing companies that included Somerville Manufacturing Company for over 22 years before her retirement.

She received her education in the Fayette County Public School System and her interests included fishing, sewing, canning, growing flowers and gardening. She was a family oriented person who remained close to her family throughout her life. She was an avid reader as long as health permitted.

In addition to her husband of 57 years, Mrs. Cannon is survived by her daughter, Sarah Jane Roberts (Eddie) of Pickwick; four sons, Lemuel (June Bug) Cannon, Jr. (Bernice), Leroy Cannon (Shelly), Thomas (Tommy) Cannon (Patricia), Billy Joe (Red) Cannon (Brenda), all of the Somerville Community; six sisters, Clara Mitchell of Booneville, MS, Pauline Conner, Mable Bishop, Sarah Cannon, Mary Johnson, Martha Cannon, all of the Somerville Community; two brothers, John Thompson and Bobby Thompson, both of Booneville, MS; her son-in-law, Mike Freels of Whiteville; fourteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Mrs. Cannon was preceded in death by her daughter, Margaret Freels; her granddaughter, Betty Ann Freels; and three brothers.

Those honored to serve as casketbearers were Larry Cannon, David Adair, David Cannon, Bubba Johnson, Jesse Jones and Dennis Cannon. “Lil” Cecil Cannon served as an honorary casketbearer.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Mt. Olive Baptist Church or Mt. Olive Cemetery Association, 9580 Jernigan Drive, Somerville, TN 38068.