Barbara Sue Cannon

Barbara Sue Cannon, better known as Sue, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at age 84. To celebrate her life and legacy, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2017, in the Chapel at First Baptist Church in Abilene, located at 1333 North 3rd in Abilene, Texas, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Sue was born October 16, 1932, in Brady, Texas to Lewis and Louise Bruton, raised in Menard, Texas and graduated from Menard High School in 1950. She attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, became a member of the Chi Omega sorority, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in May 1953 and was awarded her Golden Anniversary Diploma in May 2003. Sue’s dedication to Baylor ran deep and she never missed an opportunity to meet and befriend someone wearing her beloved green and gold. In August 1953, Sue married Richard Arlin Cannon in their hometown of Menard. Soon afterward, they moved to Houston, Texas where Richard attended Baylor College of Medicine and the couple began raising their family. Richard completed his medical training in 1960 and the family moved to Harlingen, Texas where he served two years in the United States Air Force as a medical doctor. In 1962, the Cannon family moved to Wharton, Texas and Richard began his Pediatric career with Outlar & Blair Clinic. In Wharton, Sue was an active member of the First Baptist Church, teaching in both the Youth and Young Adult departments. A dedicated volunteer, she served as a Girl Scout leader, Director of Junior Auxiliary at Caney Valley Memorial Hospital, President of the Four County Medical Auxiliary, Baylor Alumni Association and Baylor Leadership Council and held a seat on the board of South Texas Children’s Home in Beeville, Texas. In 1983, with their children grown, the Cannons moved to Richmond, Texas and Richard established a solo Pediatric practice. Sue continued serving God and her community in Richmond as a member of the First Baptist Church, a Sunday School teacher and participant in interdenominational Bible Study Fellowship. She was a Docent at the Fort Bend Museum/George Ranch Historical Park and loved teaching the art of spinning and weaving to park visitors during Texian Market Days and to school children on field trips. In 1992, Sue moved to Abilene where she lived the remaining years of her life. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and volunteered countless hours working in support of Vacation Bible School, Women on Mission and PrayerWorks Ministry. Sue was a devoted board member of the Ministry of Counseling and Enrichment, a church sponsored, Christian-oriented marriage and family-counseling resource committed to bringing quality services to the people of the Big Country regardless of race, religion, or ability to pay. She was a long-time supporter and season ticket holder of the Abilene Philharmonic, a member of the Abilene Women’s Club and a volunteer at Hendrick Hospital and Hendrick Hospice. Sue is survived by her four children, their spouses, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Children include son Paul and wife Kelly Cannon of Abilene, son Daniel and wife Christine Cannon of Denver, Colorado, daughter Cristianne and husband Richard Richardson of League City, Texas and daughter Cathryn and husband Michael Armendariz of Houston. Grandchildren include Kyle Cannon of Abilene, Matthew Stephenson of Oakland, California, Emily Rials of Cypress, Texas and Lindsay Stephenson-Jones of Tomball, Texas. Great-grandchildren include Brandon and Addison Rials and Brody Jones. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Foundation, 1333 North 3rd Street, Abilene, Texas 79601 or to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1651 Pine St, Abilene, Texas 79601.