Mary Louise Cannon

Mary was born in Flomaton, Alabama, on January 6, 1935, to parents Willie Dan Waters and Jurie Lee Hair. She spent her childhood and youth in Pensacola, Florida. Later, Mary moved to South Florida to live with her mother. There, she met her future husband, Clyde James Cannon, at the Lantana Tuberculosis Hospital, and they married in 1955. Together, they had three children: Regina, Michael, and Denise.

Mary had a strong belief in and faith in Our Savior Jesus Christ. She was a long-time member of Ronoke Missionary Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, where she served on the usher board and sang in the choir. She later joined Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Mangonia Park under Dr. Reverend Melvin Haynes.

Mary maintained her compassion for serving others and giving back to her community. She pursued her dream of becoming a nurse, even while raising three young children. She began her career working at the Palm Beach County Nursing Home for 10 years. As a Licensed Practical Nurse, she later became the first African-American nurse to supervise the student health clinic at Palm Beach State College, where she worked for 25 years until her retirement.

During Mary’s outstanding nursing career, she served as treasurer of the LPN Association and as a committee member with the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association, and the American Heart Association. She received numerous awards, plaques, and certificates in recognition of her dedication and countless hours of service to others.

In her downtime, Mary enjoyed gardening, knitting, crocheting, and creating blankets and gifts for her family, friends and grandkids. She also explored entrepreneurial ventures, establishing small businesses such as “Cannon’s Cleaning Service,” “Cannon’s Pick-Up and Delivery,” “Cannon’s Beauty Supplies,” and “Mary Kay Cosmetics.”

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde James Cannon, and her daughter, Regina Inez Cannon-Razz (Greg).

She leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Michael Cannon; her daughter, Denise Cannon-Pringle; five beloved granddaughters—Lenoura (West Palm Beach), Lekeia (Jacksonville), Tiffany (Atlanta), Jamey (Charlotte), and Myshun (Charlotte); three great-grandchildren—Rai, Regina, and Michael Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

The family wishes to thank each and every one of you for your love, support, and contributions to Mary’s blessed life.

A memorial service for Mary will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Dorsey/E. Earl Smith Memory Gardens, 3041 Kirk Road, Lake Worth, FL 33461. Following the memorial service will be a committal service from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Lake Worth Memory Gardens, 3041 Kirk Rd, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33461.