Carolyn Ann Canon

Carolyn Ann Canon, 75, sailed from this earthbound ship into the next ocean blue on January 26, 2012. Thanks to the involvement of hospice, she was able to make this journey in the comfort of her own home surrounded and cared for by those she loved. A memorial service to celebrate Ann's life will be held on Saturday, January 28th at 2:00 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with Reverend Steve Brooks and Reverend Amy Feltz officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. A private burial will follow at Texas State Veterans Cemetery. Ann was born on October 15, 1936 in Henryetta, OK to Grace and Clarence Alfred Riser. During her high school years, she was selected because of her outstanding performance to be an exchange student to Germany. This experience allowed her to broaden her outlook beyond a small town setting as well as form lasting relationships with her German host family. After graduating from Henryetta High School, she attended Oklahoma University graduating with a degree in journalism. In her mid-thirties, Ann returned to college to earn an education degree at Abilene Christian University and, later, completed a master's degree in Library Science at North Texas University in Denton, TX. Ann taught elementary school, and, later, became a Library Specialist with the Abilene Independent School District at Dyess, Austin, Jane Long and Bonham Elementary schools. She retired from the AISD in 1995. Ann was very fond of her many students and took great joy in hearing where their lives had led as they continued their education and careers. On June 14, 1958, Ann married Dave Canon and began the mobile life of an Air Force officer's wife. During their travels, two daughters were born, Beth and Karen. In 1969, the family was stationed at Dyess AFB. Throughout her life, Ann was very active at Aldersgate United Methodist Church giving freely of her time and talents. Her faith and strong Christian values were a source of inspiration to her family and friends. Ann loved people and was genuinely interested in others. In return, everyone loved Ann. Her community involvements included her Alpha Delta Gamma Sorority, Abilene Retired Teachers Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters (with little sis, Milesha Reed), YMCA of Abilene, Friends of the Library, Aggie Moms (& Grandmoms), and Master Gardeners. The loves of Ann's life were her 10 grandchildren. She reveled in her grandmotherly role doing her utmost to be involved in their lives and be supportive of their activities and goals. Ann was preceded in death by her parents. Ann is survived by her husband, Dave Canon of Abilene; two daughters, Beth Nottingham and husband, Mike, of Omaha, NE and Karen Light and husband, Joey, of Abilene; 10 grandchildren, Jordan Light, Cameron Light, Joshua Light, Christian Light, Josiah Light, Terry Light, Blaine Thompson, Kyle Thompson, Tristan Nottingham and Cheyenne Nottingham; her brother, Dr. C.A. Riser and wife, Kathy; her sisters, Pat Riser McCoy and Lyn Riser Wyatt and husband, Norman. She is also survived by 2 nieces, 3 nephews and many loving friends. The family would like to express their special thanks to Dr. Hirsch and the staffs of both Hendrick Cancer Center and Hendrick Hospice Care. Memorials may be made in honor of Ann to the Hendrick Cancer Center, 1900 Pine Street, Abilene, TX 79601; Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, TX 79601; or the charity of your choice.