Mr. Dwayne Prentiss Cannon

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, (Luke 1:41. 42 NAS) Our mother, Dorothy Branch Cannon, said she felt Dwayne leap in her womb, and believed it was a sign that he would be called to preach. Unlike Elizabeth's son, John the Baptist, Dwayne never said he was called, but he started preaching when he was a little boy. Instead of playing House, we played Church. And Dewayne always wanted to be the preacher. When he started high-way preaching, he would stop to see if we were shouting; and if we weren't shouting just right, he would demonstrate for us before starting right back in on his sermon. As he grew up, he took texts, and preached and sang while he cut the grass or worked in the yard. You could hear him all over the neighborhood. Dwayne was a man for all seasons. He came from a family of farmers, educators, bootleggers, doctors, lawyers, cooks, entrepreneurs, cleaning ladies, railroad men, community leaders and, of course, magnificent storytellers. He was a proud family man and loved his family dearly, both immediate and extended - developing a unique relationship with each member. Dwayne was an anchor. A tree planted by the water that would not be moved. He was a man of principal and integrity, and he said what he meant and meant what he said. He knew everybody and would talk to anybody. He valued everybody. He was the glue, the go-to-guy, the problem solver, the big picture thinker and the rascal, who loved to tease people and laugh - whether on the church ground or in the barbershop. But most importantly, Dwayne was a man of phenomenal faith, which he walked by daily. He was a man of God and lived his Christianity. Dwayne joined Rock Star Missionary Baptist Church when he was seven because he had been prodded to sit on the mourner's bench and take The Lord's hand during a revival, but when it came time to be baplized he fled the sanctuary - white sheet and towel flying behind him. The next baptism, he tried it again, and this time, our then pastor, Reverend R. L. Luckett, successfully submerged him. But his baptism did not stop him from being the most mischievous witle-bey. He tortured chickens and tried to drown frogs. He loved to ear hustle on grown folks business. He also like to knock running cars out of gear—- Just to see what would happen. Fortunately, the cars always rolled slowly,. Giving our parents a chance to catch us before we rolled into the road. Instead of punishing him, our father set him on his lap and taught him to drive. By the time he was seven, he was driving a standard shift, He also tried his luck in the kitchen. When he caught my mother not looking, he tried to cook a cheese grill sandwich. He was so short, he couldn't even see the top of the stove and was about to pull the hot skillet into his face. Our mother shut the little wanna be chef right down. Although Dwayne officially began first grade at what was then called Stevens Elementary and now Brandon Elementary, he had already done one year of first grade sitting in our mother's first grade classroom at Carter High School for "Colored" students - where he got into everything he could. He charmed and teased and challenged his teachers throughout his academic career. He took his studying seriously --- and made honor roll grades. He loved sports and played football during his sophomore year. But he was a much better fit as manager, where he could keep up the team's morale, help the coaches run things and pump up the crowd. He was part of a clique of friends that hung tight throughout their high school years. They gave him the nickname "Ace" and still call him that to this day. He graduated from Brandon High School in 1982. He attended Jackson State University, where he majored in accounting and could use his knack for numbers and analytical skills. He graduated from JSU in 1986. Dwayne was a hustler from jump. He sold Now and Laters in grade school at a 50% to 100% mark-up. That prepared him to become one of few men selling Avon. He sold the products for years throughout central Mississippi until he got into the timber business. Buying and selling timber allowed him to move around the state, meeting and talking to people. He regaled us with stories about the challenging, sometimes dangerous process of getting trees out of the woods to the mills. Dwayne knew everybody, and would talk to anybody. He loved to tease people and laugh - whether on the church ground or in the barbershop. And he loved listening and weaving together information. Dwayne was the family and community historian. He knew how everybody's families were connected, sometimes when they didn't know. He had a mind like a computer where he stored birthdates, anniversaries, and family lineage. If you couldn't lay your hands on your old Family Bible, you could always call Dwayne. Dwayne's priority was serving God. He Loved Church. He loved good preaching and traveled far and wide to hear good preachers. He used his sharp inquisitive mind to dissect sermons and delighted in excavating the meaning of the Word - seeking knowledge about Christianity, faith and the church constantly. His library included books like, The Black Church, The Best Black Preachers of the Century, Preaching with Power, and many books by Howard Thurman and Tony Evans. Dwayne didn't just attend church, he immersed himself in it. He sang in the Sunbeam Choir, the Youth Choir, the Inspirational Choir, the Combined Choir and the Male Chorus. He had a rich baritone voice and he like to sing songs in his own unique style. He was a Church Trustee and a Sunday School Teacher. He served on the Pulpit Selection Committee, the Constitution Committee and was a member of the Brotherhood. He was a popular Program Guide and a sought-after speaker. When he visited churches outside Rankin County, ushers often tried to escort him to the pulpit, thinking he was a preacher. Dwayne believed everyone should practice their civic duties. As we grew up, our parents were involved in voter registration and supporting candidates. Dwayne was a poll manager for years, running a tight ship at the Johns precinet. He showed up at community meetines, rallies and believed in holding elected officials accountable around issues that aligned with his philosophy and moral compass. His legacy was his commitment to the success of Black people. He steeped himself in Black History and encouraged others to do the same. He supported our youth, encouraged us to build businesses and championed our causes. Preceding Dwayne in death were his beloved parents, Mr. Serphine Prentiss Cannon and Mrs. Dorothy Louise Branch Cannon. Dwayne leaves to mourn three loving sisters: Dr. Gerri Cannon-Smith (Ken), of Brandon, MS; Carole Cannon, of Brandon, MS; Regina Cannon, of Atlanta,GA; one beloved brother, Patrick Cannon (Jackie) and a friend, Bobby Taylor, who was like a brother. Special joys in his life were his nieces: Ayana Smith of Brandon, MS; Ayesha Smith of Washington; DC; Sheriden Cannon and McKenzie Cannon, both of Brandon, MS. He also leaves a community of friends, relatives and colleagues.

Mr. Dwayne Prentiss Cannon

March 7, 1964 - April 20, 2022