Kenneth Abraham Cannick

Kenneth Abraham Cannick was born on January 23, 1954, in Beaufort, South Carolina to the late Abraham and Blanche Cannick. He confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior during his primary years at Aliso Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Willie L. Newton and later joined Philadelphia Faith Temple where Elder Wilbur McNair baptized him.

Kenneth, along with his siblings, mother and father relocated to Los Angeles when he was 5 years old. He attended public school and graduated from Harriet Tubman High School in Compton, California in 1972.

Upon graduating from high school, he left California and attended Paul Quinn College, in Waco, Texas, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Health/Physical Education in 1977. While attending Paul Quinn he played baseball and pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. He continued his education at Texas Southern University, in Houston, Texas, where he received a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling in 1991.

Kenneth professional educational career spanned over four decades (1979-2020). During these years he worked for various school districts.

While working for Aldine ISD at McDuffie (a satellite campus of Lane School), he was a teacher and residential counselor. At Houston ISD, he had several roles, including being a science substitute teacher, research tester, data analyst, and a Clerk III for the Special Education Resource Center. During his tenure at Holland Middle School, he was an 8th grade science teacher, and he served as the boys’ football and girls’ basketball coach. His final sprint, before retirement in December of 2020, was spent with Galena Park ISD as a High School Counselor for North Shore High School and Galena Park High School. He was an inspiration to each campus and had the ability to establish trust, build, and maintain relationships with diverse groups as well as individuals.

On April 15, 1993, Kenneth and Brenda Marie Deason LaRue were united in holy matrimony. To this union, Kenneth accepted the role of being the bonus dad to Sabrina, Rafie’, Tomyka and adopted bonus daughters Jalia and KyJunta.

As a couple, Kenneth and Brenda worshipped at Worthington Missionary Baptist Church. In September 1994, Kenneth became an ordained deacon under the leadership of the late Pastor Lawrence Deason. He continued his church service under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Joseph Davis, where he served as a church development teacher for new members, president of the choir and brotherhood ministry and he was also a member of the Finance committee.

Kenneth was a lover of music, enjoyed playing a good game of dominoes and often engaged in playing Words with friends online and when the opportunity presented itself, showing off his dance moves. However, his family was always priority. He was affectionately known for his love for the Lord. His defining quality was his unwavering kindness, which touched the lives of all who knew him. Kenneth often went above and beyond to lend a helping hand and always had a word of encouragement for anyone in need. Even during his final hospitalization, he was sending daily inspirational texts. He gave freely - of his time, his talents, and his resources- leaving a legacy of selflessness and service.

He was preceded in death by his parents Abraham and Blanche Cannick, brothers, Larry and Henry Cannick and brother-in-law Dwight Triplett.

He leaves to cherish his memory, a devoted and loving wife of 32 years, Brenda: his bonus daughters, Sabrina LaRue, Rafie’ Merchant (Brian), Tomyka Wimberley and adopted bonus daughters Jalia Howard and KyJunta Hillis (Raymond); Grands (Lovies); Ryan, Corey, Charlesa, Tonicia, Toni, Kelsey, Alex, Cole, Bria and great grands Aivree and Elijah. Sisters: Sharon Yvonne Cannick-Reed (Vernon), Cassandra Maxine Cannick-Conner (Robert), Sadie Mae Williams-Johnson (Tyrone), Patricia Ann Williams-Triplett, Edna Marie Williams; Brothers, Thomas Brown (Josephine), Richard Heyward (Gina), Ricky Cannick (Syndia); Sister-in-laws: Betty Martin (George) and Gertharee Brown: Godmother, Eleanor ‘Brownie’ Moore, bonus mom Bettye Allen and play sister Wanda Faye Randall. Also mourning his loss are nieces, nephews, numerous friends, and his Worthington Church family.