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Dorothy Helen Dillard Cannon

Dorothy Helen Dillard Cannon (known as Dott Cannon or “Mima”) completed her life’s journey of almost 95 years on the afternoon of September 9, 2020.

She made her transition gracefully surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Dott expressed her pure, magnetic, accepting,

and generous nature in her many relationships of all kinds and ages.

 

Dott Cannon was born on September 25, 1925, to Erin and Evie Dillard in Tupelo, where she grew up. She attended Ole Miss at 16 years old from 1942-1944

where she was a member of the Delta Gamma Fraternity, and she went to Yale for graduate studies in nursing from 1944-1947.

Dott served in the military as a nurse cadet in 1944, and later got a job at the Brookhaven Health Department, where she met her husband, Fred Cannon.

Dott married Fred on May 16, 1948, and they shared 45 years together. Dott raised five children and contributed to the family business along

with many social and civic organizations. In 1976, she took on responsibility for Dillard Enterprises as co-president and later became the sole owner and president.

Dott’s role in her community was a life-long commitment and dedication to volunteerism. She was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer,

she participated in the King’s Daughter’s and Son’s Willing Hearts Circle and Junior Auxiliary, and she served on the

Mississippi State Board of Health and the Mississippi School of the Arts Foundation Board. She enjoyed the Garden Club, the Brookhaven Camellia Society,

her Bridge Club for over 65 years, her Luncheon Club, and the Climbers Club.

Dott Cannon was always up for an adventure and she traveled with family and her “Country Club” girl-friend group through

the US, Europe, Mexico, and Central America, China and Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. She was quick to turn a stranger

into a friend with her sincere curiosity and compassion.

Dott will be remembered for her kind and an open heart—she made introductions with her hand over her heart expressing her love,

“This is my dear, dear friend”.

Everyone who knew Dott Cannon was touched by her warm and beaming spirit. She made all of us certain that we were the most special to her.

Dott was a rare gem, a soaring comet, a sanctuary of loving enthusiasm that will be sorely missed by many.

 

Dott Cannon was survived by her children: Becky Cannon and her partner, Leonard Jacobs, David Cannon and his wife, Lea Ann Cannon,

the late William Cannon’s partner, Janie Reeves, and Frederick Cannon and his wife, Kaye Cannon; She was also survived by

her grand- and great-grandchildren Emi Kubota, Mari Kubota, Zo Kubota-Johnson, Naomi Walsh Kubota, Blake Cannon, Cameron Cannon,

Alec Cannon, AJ (Austin) Cannon, Claire Cannon, KK (Katelyn) Cannon, Hazel Cannon, Violet Cannon, Carla Wallace, Kristin Hatten,

Casey Wallace, Carly Beth Wallace, Haven Hatten, Anna Ballard, and Leigh Michael Cannon. “Mima” was preceded in death by her parents,

Erin and Evie Dillard, her husband, Fred Cannon, her brother, Dr. Erin Dillard, her sons, Michael Cannon, and William Cannon.

 

The family wishes to thank Jewelene Buie, Sandra Nelson, Joyce Brown, and the staff of Encompass Health Hospice

for their loving support and help through Dott’s transition time.

There will be a private family service at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at 10:30 am,

available through their website www.redeemerbrookhaven.com. Andrew McLarty will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer.

The family has created a virtual guest book for you to visit and leave comments and encouragement for the family.

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7 comments

  • Comment Link Darrel Tuesday, 12 March 2024 23:42 posted by Darrel

    Amazing! Its truly awesome post, I have got much clear
    idea about from this article.

    Report
  • Comment Link Janie Reeves Sunday, 13 September 2020 10:27 posted by Janie Reeves

    What an honor to have spent time with the sweetest lady in the world. We will all miss you every day. You touched the hearts of so many people. The folks in Broohaven, Ms. will always remember you and your kindness. Rest In Peace Dear friend.

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  • Comment Link Ann Turcotte Sunday, 13 September 2020 08:37 posted by Ann Turcotte

    I enjoyed working with Dott at the International level of the IOKDS, she was always faithful and when she spoke, she had something to say. She was an inspiration to many. In her memory I have sent a contribution to the Health Careers Dept of the IOKDS.

    May she rest in Peace.

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  • Comment Link David Brevard Friday, 11 September 2020 19:00 posted by David Brevard

    Holding your family in my heart and in my prayers. Thankful for the friendship and business relationship which our family was blessed to have with Mrs. Cannon and your family for multiple generations. She was a beautiful, smart, and engaging woman. May God’s peace and comfort be with you as you celebrate her extraordinary life of family, faith, work, and service.

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  • Comment Link Janie Cooley Friday, 11 September 2020 14:44 posted by Janie Cooley

    Dott Cannon was an inspiration to all! She had such a beautiful, outgoing personality , always smiling, always a friend, always ready to offer a helping hand. I cherish the years I knew her. Though our paths didn’t cross as often in our later years, anytime we did see each other, it was as if we had been visiting just the day before. My love and sympathy to all the family.

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  • Comment Link MELISSA CLOUD ADAMS Friday, 11 September 2020 11:26 posted by MELISSA CLOUD ADAMS

    TO THE CANNON FAMILY

    IT WAS A GREAT HONOR TO WORK WITH YOUR PARENTS AND WHAT A
    BLESSING THEY WERE FOR ME. Y'ALL ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
    AND KNOW THAT I THINK OF Y'ALL OFTEN.

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  • Comment Link Patsy Gartman Friday, 11 September 2020 11:09 posted by Patsy Gartman

    Dott was an inspiration to us all. I enjoyed my time with her - one of the favorite being on Thursday mornings playing bridge. I miss her. Love to you all.

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