Helen Juanita Cannon

Helen Juanita Cannon née Turner passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Monday, March 6th, 2023 at The Plaza Nursing Home in Lubbock , TX after a long life. She was 100 years old. She is survived by her children: David, Kerry, Jane, Lynn, and Kathy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Orland Cannon, her daughter, Linda, & son Glenn. She was predeceased by her parents John William Turner (84) and Mary Alice Turner (79). Juanita was born on August 24, 1922 near Idalou, TX in her parents home. Juanita was predeceased by her 7 siblings: Lois, Joseph, Lilian, James, Lucille, Estelle, & Lloyd. Juanita attended school in Idalou, TX but left school early to go to Carlsbad, NM with her niece and then to San Diego, CA where the pre-WW2 furor and jobs were calling. She met and married her first husband, Jack, who was from Elgin, MO. He was in the Navy, and met & married Juanita in San Diego. They spent some time in Kansas City, MO until her son was due, which is when they moved back to Idalou, TX where David was born. Jack predeceased her in 1948. She then married OR Cannon who had three daughters, Linda, Kerry, and Jane from his first wife. The widow and widower adopted each other's children and together they had three children: Lynn, Glenn & Kathy. Originally settling in Idalou, they then moved to Lubbock, TX where the children were raised. After they grew up, Juanita remained with her husband until Orland passed away in 1980. She remained in Lubbock until her death at 100. Juanita was very fond of animals all her life, being raised on a farm, and owned many dogs of various breeds. As an example, she offered to look after Shadrach, her daughter Kathy's dog, while she relocated, but then refused to give him up after Kathy got settled. She also owned a raccoon when she was about 50 years of age. Her father had owned a raccoon during the Great Depression who would hold a small 6 Oz Coke bottle with its four paws and drink it. Apparently, many neighbors in the Idalou area would come by to see this sight - remember there was no TV or Internet, only AM radio with poor reception. She received great pleasure in serving meals and snacks to the children at a day care where she worked until 73 years of age. In addition to her love of animals, Juanita liked to express her artistic inclinations with various pictures, wall hangings, and Dioramas made from garage sale things. She made the living room a year-round Christmas room. She also loved working in the yard and feeding the squirrels. Three of her favorite movies were "Harvey", "The Christmas Story" and especially "Little Women". Her favorite TV shows were "Andy Griffith" and "Gunsmoke". Additionally, she was an avid reader and news watcher. The inevitable question you would always hear from her was "What's the weather going to be today?" The family would especially like to thank the doctors and staff at The Plaza Nursing Home for their compassionate care. There are no graveside services as Juanita's remains were cremated by Sanders.

Helen Juanita Cannon

August 24, 1922 - March 6, 2023