ZEPHYR LEE CANNON was called home to be with the Lord at 104 years old on the evening of June 26, 2018. Zephyr was born March 1, 1914 to the union of the late Johnnie Giles and Mary-Jane Buford in Naples, Texas. She was the second child of eleven children. At an early age she accepted the Lord and was baptized in her hometown. Zephyr received her education in Gethsemane schools in Naples, Texas.
She was introduced to the love of her life, Cleo Cannon, who walked miles to see her in Naples, Texas. He later proposed and they married on May 31, 1933. They were blessed with two lovely daughters, Esther LaRuth and Myrtle Joyce Cannon. Eventually they moved to California in 1945 where they were affectionately known as, Daddy Cleo and Mama Zephyr. She worked at Oxnard’s Fish Cannery and Stokley’s Van Camp until she retired in 1974. She later returned to work at Ramona Elementary School in the Cafeteria and as a playground staff for a few years.
Zephyr was a member at St. Paul Baptist Church, where the Rev. Jessie Walker was her pastor. Later becoming a member of Trinity Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Huelan W. Washington; she served in various areas of ministry by singing in the choir, President of the Mother’s and Missionary Board, and on the Pastor’s Aid Board until her health failed. Rev. Warren Gaston pastored her until his demise.
In her past time she was a humanitarian and nurturer of her family, friends and community. Always extremely hospitable with open doors to many, a lover of people, and was no stranger to anyone. She enjoyed making sure everyone who visited her home felt loved, her way of showing that was making sure you had a plate to go. As a young girl, Zephyr displayed characteristics of being very loving and kind. She was a woman of many traits and skills; avid basketball player, seamstress, dancer, and great cook. Yet, she loved playing with her family and friends the most. These acts of kindness carried over into her adult life where she displayed the same love a mother gives her children to her neighborhood and community at large. She showed consistent care and concern keeping the love of Christ evident in her life.
Zephyr leaves to cherish the memories of her devoted daughters, Esther Anthony of Inglewood, CA, and Joyce Shephard of Oxnard, CA; six grandchildren, (deceased) Deborah Martinez (Orlando) of Oxnard, CA; Regina Marity (Clifford, III-deceased) of Orlando, FL; Harold Shepard of Oxnard, CA; Cheryl Argrett (Brian) of Washington, DC; Veronica Hotchkiss (Curtis) of Oxnard, CA; and Zondra Ross (Keith) of Temecula, CA; ten great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren and one great great great grandchild. Zephyr's legacy is six generations strong including a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and beloved family. In addition, there are an extended family of loved ones; Ms. Cynthia Smith, Rubin and Christopher Bryant, Raphael "Lito" Hernandez, Fielding and Brandon Anderson, and many friends.
Visitation will take place on Friday, July 13, 2018, from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm, at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Expression from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm officiated by Chaplain Lewis E. Logan.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018, 10:00 am, at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 1777 Statham Boulevard, in Oxnard. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, in Ventura.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.
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