Velma Joe Cannon, age 86 transitioned peacefully from this earthly life to her heavenly home on Sunday August 3, 2025. Velma was one of 14 siblings born in Aldridge, Alabama on August 18, 1938 to the late George Knox and Earline Goldsmith Knox. Velma is also preceded in eternal rest by her late husband Willie Cannon Sr, son Willie Cannon Jr, daughter Evangeline Esho and grandson Osei Esho, sisters Clara Louise Darby and Geraldine Gardner, brothers George Knox Jr, Earl Knox, Mack Knox, Theodis Knox and a longtime very dear friend and companion Bill Light. She was a remarkably strong woman and had an enduring faith in God. She loved listening to gospel music. Her favorite songs were “One Day At A Time Sweet Jesus” and a song by Johnny Nash titled “I Can See Clearly Now”. She also loved cooking and was well known for her homemade yeast rolls. She was a mastermind storyteller whose tales could fill a room with laughter. Those fortunate enough to cross paths with Velma, found themselves forever changed by her presence. Velma leaves to cherish her memory, daughters Patricia Diane Walls( James) of Smyrna, TN; LaDoris Corbin of Lavergne, TN; and son Vincent Tyrone Cannon of Racine, WI; eight grandchildren, Pam Scretchen (Derrick) Travis Cannon, Duni Esho, Tamika Esho, Travail Wilson, Alicia (Cannon) Dallas- Peebles, Shara Cannon, Shalonda Cannon,13 great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren along with her treasured sisters Sarah Lee of Cottage Grove, MN; Christine Ingram of Atlanta, GA; and Elaine Malone of Florence, AL; brothers Eddie Gardner (Brenda) of Birmingham, AL; James Gardner (Joyce) of Chicago, IL; Otto Gardner Jr of Florence, AL; Toot and Toby Knox of Casper, WY; aunt Charlene Robinson of Zion, IL; and a host of nieces ,nephews, extended family and friends. The family gracefully acknowledges two of her loving and very devoted granddaughters Pam Scretchen of Nashville, TN and Tamika Esho of Milwaukee, WI. Thank you both so very much for your love and care of your grandmother. We love you dearly. The family also wishes to recognize Trisha Cannon, who remained a beloved presence in Velma Joe’s life. Her frequent phone calls and heartfelt care packages were a source of joy and companionship, reflecting a bond that endured grace and affection.
A Memorial Service for Velma Joe will be held in Strouf Funeral Home, 1001 High Street on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. The family will receive guests in the Funeral Home on Friday, September 19, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Rest in peace mom. I will miss your beautiful face but I will always love and cherish you.
The talks we had about God I will always cherish in my heart. The love of our family was on your lips. I will love you forever and always. Your baby sister Elaine
An incredible woman, wow, I can feel the love in this family by reading this! Love you all. Pam, I hear so much of you in her. Love you, sister!
I will cherish memories of Aunt Velma Joe and the time we all spent together in Rock Springs. We miss you Auntie. Pat, Ladoris, Tyrone, Pam, Tamika, and family, I pray that God will continue to wrap His loving arms around you all during this difficult time! Love you – Leshia and Allie
Blessed to have met Mrs. Cannon once, and she was a lovely lady. My sympathy & prayers go out to her entire family, but especially to Pat & Pam. Your sweet mother & grandmother left behind an amazing legacy of Christian love and devotion that both of you will carry forward. Sending you love & hugs at this difficult time.
Auntie Velma Joe you’re dearly loved as your.Soul Rest in Eternal Peace 🌹
I remembered all the times you’d come to Zion, IL, to the family events, especially during the holidays. Kiss 💋 my momma, Sherry Knox, and Grandparents Theodis (Leona) Knox, Sr.
I know all of the family is up in heaven having a good ole’ time.
I send my condolences to my family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know how you are feeling, having lost my mom 4 months ago.
Take peace in knowing that there’s no more pain. 🙏
Rest in Peace… Love ❤️ you!
Your Great Niece,
Vanessa Knox-Harris
Grandma, I will miss you dearly. You were a second mother to me, stepping in to help raise my brother and me. Thank you for the sacrifices you made for me, and the life lessons you gave me. Thank you for the stories about our family history and lineage. Thank you for inspiring my love for cooking and baking as everyone knows you were the best cook of the family. I will continue to “try to get me food to taste just like yours’. Take your much deserved rest, grandmother. I will always love and think of you until the Lord calls me home. No more pain, no more heartache and loss, no more fear. Rest on! I love you!