Bernice Ruth Cannon

Bernice Ruth Cannon was a caring and prayerful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world on April 16, 2024 at age 97 after a battle with dementia and sudden decline in her health.

Bernice was born on November 24, 1926 to Joel and Ruth Irving in Memphis, Tennessee. The family eventually relocated to Coraopolis, Pennsylvania where Bernice graduated from high school. After high school, Bernice’s mom sent her to Newark, New Jersey to live with her sister Catherine. In Newark she met DeWitt Cannon, Sr. and they married in 1948. Bernice and DeWitt went on to have two children, Dewitt Jr. (Buddy) and Deborah.

Bernice was a strong supporter of education for all and went on to obtain her associate degree from Essex County College in 1986 while working for the Department of Defense. After working for the DOD for 25 years she retired in 1988. Bernice followed her dream of wanting to teach and became a substitute teacher in the Newark public school system during retirement. Her services were highly sought after by principals throughout the city due to her reputation of getting children to pay attention during class.

In 1994 Bernice and DeWitt moved to New Castle, Delaware and quickly built a community for themselves there. They were devout Christians and it brought them much joy to attend and volunteer their services at Ezion-Mount Carmel United Methodist Church. Bernice and DeWitt both loved their church family dearly.

Outside of church, Bernice loved spending time with family and cooking for visitors. She always made a point to tell people how happy she was that they stopped by with a giant smile on her face. Bernice is survived by her son, Buddy (wife Maria), who was her sole caretaker for the past 4 years; stepdaughter Annie Branscomb; 4 grandchildren Vincent Randall Jr., Ilona Richmond (Derrick), Courtney Cannon, and Kristen Cannon; and 5 great-grandchildren Devin Randall, Dominique Randall, Yasmeen Yancy, Bishop Randall, and Leslie Randall.

Bernice is preceded in death by her parents Joel and Ruth Irving; brother Joel Irving Jr; sister Catherine Brown, husband DeWitt; and daughter Deborah.

The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time and asks that you make contributions to the Dementia Society of America in lieu of flowers.