Jacquelyn Edwards

I knew that if this old earthly body gave out that I had a building from God, eternal in the heavens, not made by man’s hands. I have overcome the world because my faith did not stand in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God. I want each of you to always remember: if you can help someone as you travel through life, then your living wasn’t in vain.

Jacquelyn Edwards was born on February 22, 1940, to Matthew Sweetwine and Sarah Edwards in Waynesville, GA. Mother Jackie Edwards received her formal education at Risley High School in Brunswick, GA. She furthered her education at Bible College in Brunswick, GA, and later received her master’s in Christian ministry. Mother Jacquelyn accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and was united with the Church of God in Christ.

The Bible says when a man finds a wife, he finds a good thing. Jacquelyn Edwards was united in holy matrimony with Leroy Wesley Cannon, Sr., on November 19, 1957, in Brunswick, GA. Their union was blessed with f ive children, Leroy W. Cannon, Jr., Myra Cannon Taylor, Phillip John Cannon, James Edward Cannon, and Elesia Cannon Williams.

Jacquelyn was known to and loved by many because of her beautiful and caring spirit and love for others. An individual of many talents, she enjoyed growing beautiful flowers and doing crafts. She loved missionary work. One of her missionary ministries involved visiting nursing homes to spend time with the elderly. She was employed by Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation as a ranger for forty-five years until she retired.

Jacquelyn Edwards departed this life on July 10, 2025. She was preceded in death by her father, Matthew Sweetwine; mother, Sarah Watkins; daughter, Elesia Williams; sisters, Betty Pierce, Catherine Carroll, and Naomi Arnold; and brother, Mitchel Watkins.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her son, Leroy W. Cannon; daughter, Myra E. (Gene) Taylor; sons, Phillip J. Cannon and James E. Cannon; six siblings, Booker T. Lewis, Ricky Watkins, Donnell Watkins, Julia Johnson, Gloria Williams, and Velma Juarez; nineteen grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.