
Ethelene P. Cannon, 90, of Waco, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 25, 2024, and entered heaven to spend eternity with her Lord and Saviour.
Graveside Service: 1PM Saturday, January 4 at Dawson Cemetery in Dawson, Navarro County with Rev. Ron Durham officiating.
Ethel was born and grew up in Hubbard, Texas, graduating from Hubbard High School. She attended Navarro Junior College before moving to Waco when she married the love of her life, Bill Cannon. Even after moving to Waco, Ethel spent many weekends working with her mother and meeting many friends in the family store in Hubbard, Pursley’s Dress Shop. Bill and Ethel were married until Bill passed away unexpectedly in 1982. Ethel and Bill had one child, Karen.
Ethel’s Christian faith and her church were integral parts of her life, and she was a long standing member of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, where she volunteered in many areas throughout the decades of her committed membership. Ethel loved her hymns.
Ethel worked in the Continuing Education Department at McLennan Community College until she retired to spend time with her grandchildren and travel. Ethel loved to travel to new places with her friends, and she was able to explore much of the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and most of the United States. However, she was a devoted grandmother, and her greatest joy came from watching her granddaughters grow up, attending all their events for as long as she was able. Being Mimi to her granddaughters was her greatest joy.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Lillie Pursley; and brother, Gerald Pursley.
Survivors include daughter, Karen Deaconson and husband Dave; granddaughters, Emma Finch and husband Jackson, and Mollie Deaconson; and great granddaughter, Ellis Finch.
The family would like to acknowledge a special thank you to the Memory Care Staff at The Delaney at Lake Waco and Bluebonnet Hospice for their dedicated and long-time care, professionalism and friendship.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to Columbus Avenue Baptist Church or the American Heart Association.

I will miss your Mother. She had a happy disposition. Karen you are the best daughter to your Mother. With deepest sympathy.
Your Mother will be missed. I enjoyed our visits. I remember her sweet spirit. Karen you are the best daughter. With deepest sympathy.
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that the love of family and friends will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.
Karen,
We are so sorry to read about your sweet mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
The Family of Calvin & Mildred Adams:
James & Donna Adams Zemanek; Janet Adams Slaughter
My prayers and thoughts are with everyone. This is Helen Quiram and retired from American-Amicable Life Insurance Company… I met Bill & Ethel when Bill worked for American-Amicable . Bill & Ethel were a joy to know and share time with for several years. Great memories for all. Blessings.
Dear Karen and family, we are so sorry for your loss. You have been a loving and devoted daughter, an example for others as you have cared for your mother. I treasure my memories of working with your mom, eating Mexican food with your parents, and meeting you so long ago. Your mother radiated kindness, she loved a good laugh, and she adored you and your dad. Thank you for blessing her so faithfully these past years as her health failed. You are in our prayers.
Karen & family, our sincere condolences on your sweet Mother’s passing. What a wonderful long life! Much love to you all, Sheri & Mark Rister
Sorry for your loss, it was a pleasure getting to know your mom she was such a sweet person. Praying for you and your family, may God be with you, Kesha Mcneill
I will always remember her cheerful outlook on life and ready smile. Her values were in the right places. The world and her family, including me, were blessed by her presence. She raised a wonderful daughter.
Love,
Dolores’s Carmical