Jamalyn Matthews Cannon

Born September 19, 1934, in Fort Worth, Texas, Jamalyn attended Texas Wesleyan University and Texas Christian University before moving to Decatur in 1963. She enjoyed a distinguished 35-year career in residential real estate with Jim Royer Realty and RE/MAX Atlanta. Dedicated to her profession, she served as Past President of both the DeKalb County Association of Realtors and the Georgia Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors.

In 1997, Jamalyn was honored by the City of Hope National Medical Center and Research Institute with the Spirit of Life Humanitarian Award, recognizing her professional excellence and contributions to the community.

A devoted member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur, Jamalyn served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher for many years. Her faith and friendships within the church community were a cornerstone of her life.

Jamalyn loved traveling, playing bridge, sewing, and entertaining friends and family. Above all, her greatest joy came from time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Milton Van Leer Cannon Jr. She is survived by her children Milton Van Leer Cannon III, Valerie Cannon O’Neal (Vernon O’Neal), and Christine Cannon Hill Entrekin (Rod Entrekin); grandchildren Ansley O’Neal (Deniz Ozaltinordu), Joel O’Neal (Mary Caroline O’Neal), William Hill (Sarah Hill), Jamalyn Hill Ojile (Caleb Ojile), Elizabeth Hill, Mary Clare Hill, Lillian Hill; and her grandchildren by marriage Ellen d’Hemecourt (Brian d’Hemecourt), Catherine Seithel (Matthew Seithel), David Entrekin (Lena Entrekin), and William Entrekin (Jean Entrekin).

She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Caroline O’Neal, Luke O’Neal, Olive Hill, Mobley Hill, Jennings Ojile, Eleanor Ojile, Matthew d’Hemecourt, Mollye d’Hemecourt, Olivia Seithel, Malachi Seithel, Theodore Entrekin, and Margaret Entrekin.

A service celebrating Jamalyn’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be directed to Oak Grove United Methodist Church.