Joan Cannady

ATHENS - Joan Gertrude Cannady, 75, died Monday, December 28, 2009, at her residence.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late James and Gertrude Cashwell. From Ohio she moved to Clinton, N.C., where she lived until moving to Athens in 1972. She worked as a registered nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital until retirement after 48 years of service. She loved to travel the United States as well as also visiting at least 20 other countries. Her most meaningful travels were visiting her son’s family during their overseas assignments in Japan and Iceland, and participating in a medical mission trip to India in 2001 for 17 days where she was able to use her nursing experience to help those in need. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Athens.

Survivors include her husband of 52 years, James Dallas Cannady; son and daughter-in-law, James Dallas Cannady Jr. and Shelley Cannady, Ila; daughter and son-in-law, Karen Joan and Kenneth Whitley, Danielsville; brothers and sister-in-law, James and Lilo Cashwell, Richmond, Va., and Joseph Cashwell, Pensacola, Fla.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ann (Don Dummit) Tuley, Portland, Ore., Connie and James Hall; and granddaughters, Noelle Alexandra Cannady and Ashley Taylor Whitley.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 2, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Athens First Baptist Church with Jon Appleton and the Rev. Ron Higdon officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, January 1, from 6 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Athens First Baptist Church Improvement Fund.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.