Josephine G. Cannon

Josephine G Cannon, 96, formerly of Lacon, Illinois died on January 22, 2023 at Cedarhurst Senior living in Washington, Illinois. Born in Springfield, Illinois on September 18, 1926 to the late Ewell and Letitia (Lynn) Gerdes, she married Joe W. Cannon on December 29,1946 in Chandlerville, Illinois. Joe died on June 16, 2017.

Josephine enrolled in Illinois College in 1944, where she met Joe. She graduated from Illinois College as a math major in June 1948 with many academic and math awards, including high honors, Phi Beta Kappa, and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Josephine moved to Lacon in 1953 when Joe opened his medical practice in Lacon. She lived in Lacon until Joe passed away in 2017.

Joe and Josephine were faithful members of the Methodist Church of Lacon, and Josephine was active in the choir with her lovely soprano voice.

Although Joesphine was a math whiz and taught math briefly at the Lacon Junior High School, she devoted most of her married life to taking care of her husband (and best friend) and her children.

In the words of one of Josephine’s daughters-in-law, “I will forever smile in my mother-in-law’s memory. She truly loved her family and brought her warmth and acceptance to all. I couldn’t have asked for a better Mother-in-law and family to be part of.” We will miss you terribly, Mom.

Josephine is survived by her daughter Jill (Cliff) Spencer of East Peoria; sons Joe David (Cheryl) Cannon of Mesa AZ, Jeffrey (Jamie) of Mesa AZ, James Gregory (Julie) of Renton WA; sister in law Lisa (late Jonathan) Cannon of Scottsdale AZ; 11 grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her son Jonathan and sister Eula Mae Stierholz.

Funeral services for Josephine will be held on Saturday, January 28 at 11 AM at Lenz Memorial Home in Lacon with a visitation time one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Lacon cemetery and memorials can be made to the Lacon United Methodist Church or Illinois College. Online condolences can be left at lenzmemorialhome.com.