The matriarch of the Cannon (Stubblefield) family went to be with her Lord and savior on Friday July 15th. That little spitfire Geraldine Vashti Alexander was born in 1915 to John and Samantha Alexander in Mounds, Illinois. Geraldine had two older brothers, but as she was born later in her parents' life; she was raised mostly as an only child. She struck out into the world at 30 years old looking for work and adventure, she found both in Battle Creek. After her children were born, she was dedicated to their care and well-being. Among her many jobs she was most proud of working at Leila hospital and the Battle Creek Cancer Society. You could find her many days on the porch at 181 West Manchester, talking to friends, neighbors and passersby. For many years she was an active member of Macedonia under the reverend Young and would continue to attend sporadically. This powerhouse of a woman taught us about independence, strength, ingenuity and boy did she have a mouth! She played Nintendo until the machine smoked, she loved a bowl of raisin bran with warm milk or toast an orange marmalade, these memories we share with you; but so many we keep for ourselves. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, children Donald Cannon, Renee Cannon, Kermit (Marilyn) Scott and daughter Deborah Cannon-Mitchell.

She is survived by daughter Phyllis Nichols, grandchildren Dellina Nichols, Seline Nichols, Romona Nichols, Michaele Reed, Latasha Cannon, Tiana Cannon, Tiara (Jerry) Armstrong, Tyrice Cannon and Kermieka Scott; as well as a host of great and great-great grandchildren. To us she was the proverbial Atlas, she carried the world on her shoulders with grace, humility and dignity.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. We love you granny.