Mary Jean Cannon

MARY JEAN “MAY-MAY” CANNON

 OTTERVILLE – Mary Jean “May-May” Cannon, 67, slipped peacefully into eternity at 10:55 p.m., Friday, August 8, 2025, at Jersey Community Hospital, after courageously battling metastatic melanoma for 20 years.

She entered this world at 12:48 a.m. on May 3, 1958, at the old Jerseyville hospital, the sixth of seven children born to the late Edward and Mary (Wahle) Cannon. Between those two moments—the first breath and her last—Mary lived a life that was uniquely her own.

At birth, her father named her “Samantha Esmeralda,” but her mother quickly decided that was too hard to say. She became “Mary Jean,” and that name, much like her lively spirit, stuck for the rest of her life.

Mary was bold, adventurous, and unapologetically herself. She could be found tearing up the track at the Otterville cycle park on her motorcycle, doing her best to outrun the guys. She attended Otterville Grade School and Illini Junior High in Jerseyville, where the “city kids” quickly learned not to mess with the country girl. She graduated with the Class of 1976 from Jersey Community High School.

Gifted with many talents, Mary could cook, sew, crochet, bake wedding cakes, and create just about any craft she set her mind to. She played in both pool and dart leagues and had a fondness for anything featuring penguins, snowmen, or sea turtles—she thought they were “cool.” She loved watching the Kentucky Derby with her mom, and she cherished her many beloved pets, especially her dog, LuLu.

Mary served as the town clerk of Otterville for 20 years, retiring only when her health required it. She also faithfully served her community as an election judge for many years.

Surviving are her sister, Peggy Hotz of Otterville; three brothers, Roger (Robin) Cannon of Fieldon, Richard “Jack” Cannon of Jerseyville, and John W. Cannon of rural Jerseyville; her aunt, Joann Wallace of Wood River; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents, John E. and Lottie Cannon, Clarence and Alice Wahle, and Lela (Gowins) Russell; her sister, Judy Wright; her brother, Raymond Cannon; a sister-in-law, Diane Cannon; and brother-in-law, Phil Wright.

Private inurnment will take place at Noble Cemetery in Otterville. 

Memorials may be given to Otterville Southern Baptist Church or to the family to assist with expenses.

You’ve won the battle, May-May. We’ll see you later up there.

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