Emma Ruth Wasden Cannon

Emma Ruth Wasden Cannon June 27, 1925 – November 4, 2013 Emma Ruth Cannon, 88, of the Jay Community, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2013, at Jay Hospital. Emma Ruth was born in Brewton, Alabama, to J.M. and Josie Wasden, but grew up in the Jay area. She overcame an early childhood illness and never allowed that to handicap her. She graduated from Jay High School and received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Troy State Teacher’s College. She began her teaching career in Santa Rosa County and retired in 1976, after a stellar career of 27 years teaching first and third grades. During her career, she held various offices in the teachers’ organizations and was named Santa Rosa County Teacher of The Year in 1974. She was also proud of her membership in Delta Kappa Gamma. After her retirement, she and her husband, Bud, spent much time traveling the country, visiting many states in their motor home. They also enjoyed spending time at their camp on Blackwater River fishing, boating, and entertaining family and friends. Emma Ruth was an active member of the Jay First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed many hobbies including crocheting, quilting, knitting, painting, reading, and flower gardening. She especially loved her roses, which she generously shared. But she never forgot her first love-that of her students. She took great pride in remembering their names as well as those of their families. She is predeceased by her husband, Grady Clyde “Bud” Cannon, to whom she was married for 48 years. She is also predeceased by her parents, her sister, Drusilla Campbell and her brother, Randolph Wasden. She is survived by her son, Grady Herbert “Herb” Cannon and his wife, Helen; three grandchildren, Jonathon (Kelley) Cannon of Arlington, Va., Jennifer Angeron of Milton, and Joel Cannon of Atlanta, Ga. She also leaves two precious great-grandchildren, Reese Angeron and Isla Jane Cannon. She also leaves her sisters, Bobbie Whitley of Pace and Mary Alice (Bobby) McHenry of Jay and brother, Mack (Mary) Wasden of Jay. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend thanks to her special caregivers: Bernice Barlow, Polly Harrison, Kim Acker, and Christine Fowler. They would also like to express their gratitude to Dr. David Smith, Dr. Bascom Raney, Dr. Jeff Kelley, and the nurses and staff at Jay Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 7, 2013, at Jay First United Methodist Church with Rev. Laura Weant officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her nephews, Mahlon and Gary Campbell, Terry and Johnny Wasden, Beau and Steven McHenry, Bill Wasden and Barney Whitley. A visitation will be held from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, November 6, 2013, at Jay First United Methodist Church. The family is accepting floral condolences or, if preferred, contributions may be made to the Jay Historical Museum, P.O. Box 265, Jay, Florida 32565. Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements