Jo Ann Vann Cannon, 95, of Valdosta, Georgia, died on Thursday, May 8, 2025, after a
brief illness. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Courtney Vann Cannon Horton,
and son-in-law, Henry Hollis Horton III, both of Valdosta, GA; granddaughter, Marriott
Vann Horton Miller (Jimmy), of Valdosta, GA; grandson, Robert Cannon Horton (Casey),
of Paoli, PA; and six great-grandchildren, many carrying her family's names: Esther
Frances Miller, James Granville Miller, and William Henry Miller, of Valdosta, GA, and
Lillian Vann Horton, Frances DeBow Horton, and Dudley Cannon Horton, of Paoli, PA.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Enoch Cannon, of Elba,
Alabama, and her parents, Josiah Thomas Vann and Frances Lorene Burks Vann, of
Troy, Alabama.
Born on March 30, 1930, in Troy, Alabama, Jo Ann cherished her childhood as a golden
era between two world wars. The only child of Lorene and Joe Vann, she grew up on
Orange Street, next door to her first cousins, Betty Burks and Jean Quarles, who were
like her sisters. Jo Ann's childhood nurse, Mamie, remained a source of love and
support until the end of her life.
Jo Ann graduated from Troy High School and attended Mary Baldwin College in
Staunton, Virginia, for two years before transferring to the University of Alabama, where
she joined Chi Omega and earned her degree in 1951. During her college days, Jo Ann
loved attending dances and parties, and it was during one such event that she met the
love of her life, Bob Cannon. They married the following August after Bob promised her
father that he would become a Methodist.
Jo Ann taught high school English in Enterprise and Elba, Alabama, before dedicating
herself to raising her daughter, Courtney. In 1970, Jo Ann started Senior Girl Scout
Troop 300 for Courtney and her friends. She continued leading that same troop in Elba
for 38 years, often departing from traditional scouting activities to impart skills and
knowledge that she deemed important for young women, ranging from table manners
and settings, and how to best present themselves, to making good life choices. She
encouraged her troop members in their college plans, many of whom became the first in
their family to attend a university, often helping them secure scholarships and
acceptances. She was especially proud whenever one of her scouts pledged Chi
Omega, an organization dear to her heart.
In their later years, Jo Ann and Bob traveled the world, with Jo Ann hunting for antique
lace and heirlooms while Bob golfed. Scotland and Belgium were her favorite
destinations. A talented seamstress, Jo Ann crafted French hand-sewn garments, many
still worn by her great-grandchildren. Dresses always came with a matching slip and
often a handwritten story, bringing to life details like an embroidered chick on an Easter
dress. Even family dolls have worn her hand-sewn creations.
A lifelong Methodist, Jo Ann's faith shone brightly in every facet of her life. She believed
deeply in prayer, telling her family at her 95th birthday celebration that she prayed for
each of them daily.
After Bob's death, Jo Ann moved to Calder Woods retirement community in Beaumont,
Texas, where she lived for 11 years, forming cherished friendships but never warming to
spicy Texas cuisine. In 2024, she relocated to Valdosta, Georgia, with Courtney and
Hollis to be near family. At Langdale Place, she quickly bonded with staff and residents.
Regular visits with her local great-grandchildren—Esther, James, and Henry—brought
her immense joy, a treat she had rarely enjoyed before.
Jo Ann encouraged people all of her life, but never was this more evident than during
her last days in the hospital. Despite her illness, she proved a gift to all who
encountered her, as she made a point to proclaim the good in everyone who entered
her room. One of her nurses remarked that knowing Jo Ann changed her and others
who served her for the better — a sentiment that was a thread that ran throughout her
life. From her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, to her Girl Scouts, to
anyone who ever worked with or for her, Jo Ann felt it her responsibility to encourage
them to be the best version of themselves. At 95, she was at peace, knowing how
blessed her life had been and with complete confidence that she was going to meet her
Lord and Savior.
Funeral services will be held at Elba United Methodist Church on Monday, May 19,
2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. George Sedberry officiating. Committal services will
follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church at 10:00
a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Elba United Methodist
Church, 503 Davis Street, Elba, AL 36323, or Trinity United Methodist Church, PO Box
5247, Beaumont, TX 77726.