Bettie Jean Cann

How does one begin to describe such an extraordinary woman? Bettie Jean Harper Cann has been a trailblazer her entire life. She was born April 16, 1938, and she went home to the Lord November 25, 2022. She was surrounded by her husband, family, love, prayers and praise.

Mother Cann attended Nashville Christian Institute for junior high. Influenced by her education there, Mother Cann gave her life to the Lord as a young lady at Fairfield Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. She enjoyed a very close walk with the Lord ever since.

Mother Cann became the first Mother at Christian Body Life Fellowship in Vacaville, California in the 1980s. One of the holiday highlights at Christian Body Life Fellowship was Mother and Father Cann’s annual Christmas party. They would cook a wonderful feast and end the party with a White Elephant game that had everyone in stitches.

Mother Cann became the first Mother at Antioch Christian Fellowship in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2005. Mother Cann had a special broom that she used to clean the church. Even the younger children knew not to mess with “Mother Cann’s Broom.”

Mother Cann showed unconditional love to all the members of the churches. She had a special way of making every one of us feel like we were her favorite child. When we tried to make this claim, she would sweetly reply, “I love all of you just the same”.

Mother Cann had two scriptures she quoted many times over the years. The first was the Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you will have them to do unto you” (Luke 6:31). The second was that “God won’t put on us more than we can bear” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

In 1957, she married the love of her life, Charles Dennis Cann. He was a United State Air Force Airman who reached the highest Non Commissioned Officer rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Together, they served and traveled the world on various assignments. They were stationed in Tennessee, California (three different assignments), Japan, Germany and Virginia. After retirement, she and Charles traveled recreationally to every Hawaiian island, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean.

Bettie loved her family, friends, fashion and life. She was an adored and cherished daughter, sibling, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She had a penchant for photography and chronicled her life through pictures – compiling a multitude of photo albums and covering her walls with framed photographs of loved ones, both candid and professional.

Bettie had many other creative interests including ceramics, cake decorating, painting and crocheting. She enrolled in classes to fortify these interests. Many people will remember her annual gift of scrumptious fruit cakes which she took great care preparing with tender loving care.

Professionally, Bettie worked as a sales associate with the Base Exchange AAFES and retired after 17 years of service. She also held many voluntary roles including Hospital Candy Striper in her early years, Parent Aide with the Rialto Unified School District, Girl Scout Parent active with badge activities, Air Force NCO Wives Club Hospitality Chairperson and President, and Loyal Lady Ruler and other roles with the Loyal Ladies.

Bettie Jean Harper Cann was preceded in death by her parents, Dan Willie Harper, and Margaret Elnora Clay; step-father John Clay Sr.; brothers Dorris Burk and John Clay, Jr.; sister Marjorie Clay; and brother-in-law James Cleggett.

Mother Cann leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 65 years today (December 16) Charles D. Cann, Sr.; her siblings Ann Cleggett and Thomas Clay (Lura McKnight); her children Charles D. Cann, Jr. Constance G. Robertson and Karen D. Mbanefo; two sons-in-law Boston Robertson, Jr., and Azubuike Mbanefo; grandchildren Raven, Ashley, Naomi (Nathaniel), Patrick, Charles III (Ranetta), and Chukwudi; great-grandchildren Charles IV, Caiden, and Nailah; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends whom she loved greatly.

Donations may be made to Antioch Christian Fellowship via Zelle or PayPal ([email protected]) or by mail at the following address:

Charles D. Cann Sr.

1508 Silent Sunset Avenue

North Las Vegas, NV 89084

Live streaming will be available via Facebook. Access Charles D Cann Sr Facebook page and view live stream.

A recording will later be uploaded to YouTube. A link will be provided once available.