Priscilla "Pat" Cannon

**Obituary for Priscilla (Pat) Cannon**

Priscilla (Pat) Cannon, an unwavering beacon of strength and warmth, graced this world on July 23, 1942, in Marion, Indiana. Born to Rosie Lee Davis and Douglas Stevenson Sr., Pat embraced life with a joyful heart. Her early days were filled with the melodies of BB King, adventurous dance steps with friends, and a deep-rooted love for animals that inspired her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian.

A proud graduate of Marion High School in 1960, Pat was not just a student; she was a vibrant member of the Spanish club, the booster club, and the debutant ball. In December of the same year, she found herself stepping into a new chapter of her life as she married Quentin Cannon Jr.

The year 1973 marked a significant turning point for Pat; on Thanksgiving Day, she heroically boarded a train with her five children, embarking on a journey to Denver, Colorado. Driven by the desire to create a safer life free from an abusive past, Pat's faith guided her through uncertainty. She often shared the heartfelt message she received from God: “You take the first step, and I will do the rest.”

In her new home in Denver, Pat devoted her life to her family, showering them with love, listening attentively, and instilling values of resilience, teamwork, and faith. Proudly, she cheered for the Broncos with unwavering loyalty, making Sundays a sacred family tradition. Her ability to make everyone feel cherished and included created a bond that extended beyond bloodlines.

Pat soared high within the medical field, shattering ceilings as the first Black woman to graduate from the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program at Porter Hospital in 1979. Her passion for nursing only grew as she went on to earn her Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in 1982, positioning herself as a pioneer among Black nurses. In recognition of her profound contributions, she garnered a nomination for the esteemed “Nightingale” Award in 1990. Her academic journey continued with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 1991 and a Master of Science in Nursing and Nurse Practitioner degree in 1996.

Pat’s caring spirit transcended the confines of hospitals; she fiercely advocated for the health and well-being of her community. She volunteered her expertise in orphanages in Haiti alongside Mom Workman, and selflessly served impoverished villages in Belize. Her dream of working on an Indian Reservation was realized in Duckwater, Nevada, reaffirming her commitment to serving those in need.

In 2005, Pat returned to Denver, enveloped by the joy brought by her grandchildren, who became the light of her life. She shared her knowledge as a beloved nursing instructor at the Denver School of Nursing, where her dedication earned her multiple “Teacher of the Year” awards. Known affectionately as “The Terminator” for her uncompromising teaching approach, she inspired countless nursing students, shaping the future of healthcare.

Pat was preceded in death by her beloved sons, Darrell and Anthony Cannon; her sisters, Mary Louise Richardson and Ruby Lee Hayes; and her brother, Frederick Douglas Stevenson.

She is survived by her cherished children; Julie Brown (Greg), David Cannon, Nancy Jefferson (Phil), and Ingrid Cannon (Anthony); half-sister Romona Smith (Chris); grandchildren Ken, Chaela, Phinaesha, Jendaya, Miles, Chris, Zaire; great-grandchildren Treyvon and Vondre; sister Dorothy Jean Stevenson; along with a myriad of nieces, nephews, cousins, and .