Obituary of Renee Michele Cannon

Obituary

An angel whispered, “Pease Be Thine” and called our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother to eternal rest on day, month, date and year, after battling cancer for several years.  

Renee Michele “Tank” Cannon, daughter of the late James and Mamie (Gant) Cannon was born January 4, 1956, in Washington, DC at Columbia Hospital when black folks were not allowed at Arlington Hospital (now Virginia Hospital Center).  She was christened at Lomax A.M.E. Zion Church as an infant. Lomax has always been a big part and foundation of her life.  She was a dedicated, hardworking and faithful member from a small child until she was led to Willing Heart Community Church in the late 1980s.

At Lomax, Renee served on usher board, sang on youth choir and later Gospel Chorus under the leadership of her mother.  Later, Renee joined Willing Heart Community Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Thomas Pair and jump right to work.  There she sang with the TP Specials, served on the usher board, and became the pastor’s secretary and “go-to” person for many things and events.  Through Willing Heart, she was introduced to the National Association Council of Community Churches of America and Elsewhere, Incorporated (NACCCAE).  Once again, she jumped right in and held several positions (Executive Secretary, National Secretary and Financial Secretary) over 16-years. She enjoyed the fellowship and loved the Council with her whole heart.  In 2008, Dr.  Pair decided to organize New Vision Community Church, and she went with him.  At New Vision Community Church, she served at the church administrator, trustee, and clerk until her death.

Renee accepted a position with the Federal Government where she worked for 40 years in numerous agencies/positions until she retired.  But Renee did not know how to retire, she worked part-time with Arlington County Board of Election as a Precinct Chief (15+ years) and later an Assistant Registrar (5+ years).  Somehow, Renee managed to fit in her schedule to become a “daycare” provider and joined the Virginia Alliance for Family Child Care Association (VAFCCA).  There, she held the position of Membership Chair and created/developed a membership database and website.  She also served as the publisher of their quarterly newsletters and annual training packages/programs.

Renee loved people, loved life and loved football.  Her favorite football team was the New York Giants, particularly Lawrence Taylor.  Renee loved to tease her children who are Dallas Cowboy fans and no matter how many games the Giants lost; she never gave up on the team.  She loved cruising and was sometimes referred to as Ms. Royal Caribbean.  Renee help plan, organized and coordinate cruises that included friend and church members (young and old).  

Renee was blessed with two children, Jamar Alan Sr. and Tara Debraé whom she leaves to cherish her memories; six grandchildren Janiya Pinkney, Jamar Cannon Jr., Jaiden Cannon, Malachi Grant, XXXX, and XXXX; one great-grandchild Kaleb Pinkney, a very devoted cousin/sister Marie “Peanut” Mosby, three very dear friends, Debbie Moore, Loren Smith, and Terry Dutton, as well as a host of relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.  

“The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”

Proverbs 16:1-3

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