Nettie Cannon

Nettie L. Cannon peacefully went home to be with the Lord on March 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of her devoted daughters, Phyllis and Lori Cannon.

Nettie was born on March 22, 1941, in Lincoln, Delaware, to the late Henry Cannon and Ethel Cannon. From an early age, she carried a spirit of strength, resilience, and deep faith that would guide her throughout her life.

Nettie began her education at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School and continued on to Booker T. Washington for middle school. She later earned her high school diploma from James H. Groves and went on to complete her associate’s degree in human services at Delaware Technical Community College—an accomplishment she was deeply proud of.

For more than 30 years, Nettie dedicated herself to caring for others as a nurse’s assistant at Milford Memorial Hospital, a role she embraced with compassion and commitment until a back injury led to her early retirement. Over the years, she also worked at Milford Stitching Company, Stockley Center, KSI, and served as a Director at Telamon Head Start. Each position reflected her strong work ethic and her desire to help and care for others. Yet, the work that brought her the greatest joy was the 20 years she spent as a nanny for the Burris family in Milford, Delaware. In their home, she became far more than a caregiver; she became family.

Nettie’s life was marked not only by her academic and professional accomplishments but also by her extraordinary strength and compassion. In March, she celebrated 52 years of dedicated commitment to the 12-step program, faithfully attending meetings and warmly welcoming anyone seeking to begin their own journey to sobriety. Her resilience was further reflected in her courage as a two-time cancer survivor, facing each challenge with grace and determination.

Nettie found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She was an avid sports fan, especially when it came to football and baseball. A devoted Philadelphia Eagles supporter, she proudly cheered “Go Birds!” and rarely missed a game. She followed her beloved Phillies with the same enthusiasm, celebrating every win and riding out every loss with unwavering loyalty.

Her interests stretched far beyond sports. Nettie had a keen mind for politics and current events, staying informed by watching the news and engaging in thoughtful conversations. She believed deeply in the power of voting and made it her mission to encourage her family to use their voices. In quieter moments, she enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, playing bingo and casino games on her cellphone; so much so that the familiar “cha ching, cha ching” became a nightly soundtrack throughout the house.

Recently, Nettie embraced a new chapter by moving to Georgia with her daughters, Phyllis and Lori. She was excited to explore her new surroundings and see what adventures awaited her there.

At the center of Nettie’s world was her family. She was a proud and loving matriarch who cherished her roles as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her love was boundless, and she gave of herself freely and joyfully. She proudly passed down her name to her namesake, Nettie A. Cannon, affectionately known as “Buttons.”

After retiring, Nettie devoted herself wholeheartedly to caring for her family, especially her grandsons Devin, Jhaki, and Russell, as well as her great-nephew Tre. In time, she took on the full-time care of her great-granddaughter, Kyn’Dall, and later welcomed Bobby into her loving arms as well, until she humorously declared that she was officially “retired again.”

Nettie carried a deep love for music throughout her life. Her children fondly remember Saturday mornings filled with the sound of Barry White as she cleaned the house, turning ordinary chores into moments of joy and rhythm. As her life journey continued and she gave her heart to the Lord, her soundtrack changed as well—Barry White gave way to gospel hymns that lifted her spirit and strengthened her faith. Music was always with her, marking each chapter of her life with its own melody.

Nettie was also a faithful and dedicated member of Little Union Baptist Church, where she served as an usher for many years under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Raymond Fisher. She took great pride in her service. Every Saturday, without fail, she prepared her and Lori’s usher uniforms with meticulous care, ensuring they were immaculately white, perfectly starched, and paired with freshly polished white shoes.

Nettie was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Cannon and Ethel Cannon; her step-parents, Maize Turner and Sue Jefferson; her brothers, Ralph Cannon and Clarence Cannon; her sons, Michael Cannon and Clifford Cannon; and her grandchildren, Sharon Cannon, Ebony Brittingham, Jamar Dukes, and Deja Harrison.

She is survived by her one and only sister, Sharon Howell, whom she loved as her own child; her children, Walter Cannon (Tina), Ethel Silva (Miguel), Phyllis Cannon, and Lori Cannon; her 19 grandchildren, who adored her; and her 45 cherished great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her dear friends Cass, Bruce, Patsy Kellam, and Janice Burris, along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and many other loved ones who will miss her deeply.

Though she has departed this earthly life, Nettie’s legacy of love, faith, strength, and unwavering dedication to her family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.