Marsha Cannon Addams

Marsha Cannon Addams, 77, was called to her heavenly home on May 12, 2022.  She was born on February 23, 1945 and welcomed into this mortal life as the firstborn child of Hollis and Mary Cannon.  Marsha and her younger brother, Ben Cannon, enjoyed their childhood growing up in the tight-knit community of Statesboro, Georgia.

Marsha was a 1963 graduate of Statesboro High School. She loved cheerleading, serving as an officer in the Christian Fellowship organization (Tri-Hi-Y and Hi-Y), and participating in a variety of social activities. She was known as a leader and peacemaker in her extended family and community.   She was also an active participant in her Baptist congregation where she built a strong spiritual foundation and treasured lifelong connections.

She graduated from the University of Georgia in 1967, majoring in Political Science. She was actively involved on campus in civil issues of the time, and held major campus leadership roles.  She was especially proud of her leadership as President of the Phi Mu sorority.   She also served as the campus Minister of Women’s Affairs.  Dedicating her whole heart and soul into these activities she became a lifelong fan of the Georgia Bulldogs on and off the field.  Her love of people and talent for leadership carried over into her college and young adult years as she served as the traveling field secretary for the national Phi Mu sorority.

Following graduation, Marsha took a full-time position at the University of Utah, as assistant to the Dean of Students, where she also continued her studies in a Masters program in Political Science.   She also brought her Southern charm to Utah, and amidst these activities, she eventually met her eternal sweetheart, Lon.  They were married June 22, 1970 in Statesboro, Georgia and later sealed in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple.  Marsha and Lon were joined in this life through love and devotion, sealed by covenants and commitments as eternal companions.

Marsha had a love for sunshine, especially at the beach. She enjoyed any chance she had to spend her days in the sun whether it was Hawaii, Florida, or Monterey, California.  Marsha instilled a love of learning in her children. She was an avid reader and a founding member of what her children knew only as “The Book Group”, a close-knit group of friends who have maintained monthly meetings for over 50 years.

Marsha’s unfaltering faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. She was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She knew her Savior intimately and worshiped Him faithfully.  Marsha’s firm belief that “Families are Forever” served as a tightly woven thread that bound her to those dearly loved. Marsha gravitated to service roles throughout her life, including serving in the stake and ward Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary organizations in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Marsha and Lon were called as service missionaries in Laie, Hawaii in 2014, where they built lasting relationships with countless students who continued to visit them after their return home.

Above all, Marsha prioritized her passion and love for family and the unique talents, interests and characteristics of each family member.   She created a home that was truly a haven for both her children and their friends.  Her home always had an open door, and her kitchen table was one of Southern hospitality – a gathering place for joyous laughter, deep conversations, and heartfelt tears.  As a result, her influence spread far and wide through the years; she had a talent of maintaining relationships with those whose lives she touched.

One could find Marsha serving in the temple, looking for opportunities to let others know of her concern and care for them, and always supporting the activities of her precious grandchildren. Despite being in a wheelchair, she never wanted to slow down or be constrained. Certainly, her physical conditions never affected her ability to connect, serve, and love. Above all, her positive attitude toward life’s challenges was unwavering.  Life looks different without Marsha, but she has left an indelible print in every life and upon every heart of those she loved and those who loved her.

Marsha is survived by her loving husband and dedicated companion of 51 years, Lon Addams; her sons Lee Addams (Emma), Joel Addams; and her daughters Kimbery Cronin (Greg), Stephanie Jones, and Lindsey Addams; nine grandchildren: Ashley, Alyssa, Andrew, and Addison Cronin; Johnny, Hudson, and Benjamin Addams; Bella and Sophie Jones.

A viewing will be held on Friday, May 20, 2022 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary in Bountiful, Utah.  Funeral service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 210 East 1825 North, Centerville, Utah on Saturday, May 21 at 11:00 a.m. with a prior viewing from 9:45-10:45 a.m. All friends and family are welcome.

While flowers are always appreciated, contributions in Marsha’s memory to the Huntsman Cancer Institute Foundation (or other charity or cause of one’s choice), would also be welcomed by the family.

Services will be live streamed by the Centerville 20th Ward at this link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRrD3sAigy0