Clara H. Cannon

CLARA CANNON 87 CANNON AUTOMOTIVE GROUP Clara Harley Cannon died Tuesday, February 4, from complications resulting from a fall. Clara was born in Tampa, Florida, on November 23, 1926, to Clara and Thomas Harley. Growing up in Pensacola, she married Wendell Allen Cannon in 1949, and the couple settled in Lakeland, which became their permanent home. Clara was predeceased by her husband of 63 years Wendell, her parents, and three siblings. She is survived by her sisters, Evelyn Davidson (Bob), Dot DaCunha (Veiga); her brothers, George Harley (Laverne), and Bill Harley (Joyce), all of Pensacola; three sons, Terry (Terry Asher), Rick (Denise), and Danny, of Lakeland; a grandson Kyle, also of Lakeland; granddaughter Kimberly Lehmann Saba (Pete), of Casselberry; and granddaughter April Asher, of Bartow. She is also survived by two great-grandsons, Jonah Lehmann Saba of Casselberry, and Noah Davis of Bartow; as well as cousins Mae Brown of Tampa, Nancy McCandless of Ruskin, and Barbara Goleman of Lakeland. Clara""s passion in life was her family. A devoted wife and mother, she became a vital partner in developing the family business that became Cannon Automotive. Her overriding love and pride were invested in her three sons " and their growing families. Highlights of her life included gatherings of family and friends: barbecues, fish fries, celebrations of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. She loved dinners with her husband at Lone Palm, retreats to their beach cottage on Don Pedro Island, traveling with friends and family, membership with Wendell in the Sunday School class they helped found (the BYKOTA Class), and volunteer work at First United Methodist, a church she and Wendell loved. Quiet and unassuming, hers was a gentle, affirming presence. It is not often that one gets to know a woman of such grace and beauty and silent strength. A Service of Celebration and Remembrance will be held Friday, February7, at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Lakeland. The family will greet friends during a visitation//reception in the church following the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33801, or to a charity of one""s choice. Service: 02/07/2014 First United Methodist Church Sanctuary 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801