Martha "Patsy" F. Cannon

Martha “Patsy” Freeman Cannon, 88, of Virginia Beach, VA, died peacefully in her hospital bed on January 21st, 2025. She was born in Phenix City, Alabama, to James & Sarah Freeman and was a loving sister to brothers David and William Freeman. In April of 1966 she married William G. Cannon, Jr, who would faithfully remain by her side until his death.

Having grown up in Norfolk, Patsy graduated from Norview High School and became a Lady Monarch basketball player at Old Dominion University, where she continued on to earn her master’s degree of Administration and Supervision in Education. She became an elementary school teacher, an Assistant Principal and eventually Principal of several Norfolk Public Schools in her 31 years in education.

Upon retirement she dove further into helping her church, Spurgeon Memorial Baptist. She was a tireless Sunday School and Vacation Bible School director and teacher, a choir member for over 60 years, and an integral part of the local WMU Association leadership team and the Bridge Network of Churches.

She’s survived by her son, William G. Cannon, III (Tena) and grandchildren, William G. Cannon, IV, Joshua, Sarah and Memphis Cannon. She is also survived by sister-in-law Ann Cannon Jennings, as well as many dear nieces, nephews and cousins.

Patsy was an exceptional woman. She feared God and loved people. Those who met her felt her love and soon learned that she would offer them a meal whenever they walked through the door. She was always careful to meet the needs of those she loved as well as perfect strangers. Her death is not the end, as we know her faith in Jesus has led her to eternity in heaven.

A viewing and visitation will be held on Friday, February 7th from 6-7:30 pm at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home on Witchduck Rd. in VA Beach. Family and friends are invited at 10 am on Saturday, Feb 8th to the funeral service and reception at Patsy's home church, Spurgeon Church, 8026 Old Ocean View Rd, in Norfolk. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spurgeon Church. Friends may offer condolences at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.