A Time to Be Born:

Ava Marie Gaston Cannady was born on July 13, 1933, in Hartsville, South Carolina, to the loving parents of the late Reverend John G. Gaston and Carrie Leach Gaston. Marie was nurtured and lovingly raised by her grandparents, Ernest and Mary Leach, along with her devoted aunts, Mrs. Marie Leach Sorely and Mrs. Alice Leach
Johnston. She was truly loved and supported by a village.

A Time To Plant
Marie attended the public schools of Cleveland County and was a graduate of Cleveland High School in Shelby, North Carolina. During her high school years, she was actively involved in student
life, enjoying basketball and serving as a majorette. In 1952, Marie and her husband, Norris, relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For a brief time, she worked at Metropolitan
Hospital before choosing to devote herself fully to her role as a homemaker. From the late 1970s until 2002, Mrs. Cannady faithfully served her community as a dedicated poll worker. In
addition to her civic service, she was a devoted member of Holy Cross Church, where she served both as a member and president of the Ever Ready Club.

A Time To Love In 1946, while attending junior high school, Marie met Norris B. Cannady. From this loving union, four sons were born: Reginald,Stephen, Norris, and Darrell. For more than seventy years, Marie and Norris shared a devoted life together, building a home and raising their children and grandchildren on North Robinson Street.

A Time to Die
Marie G. Cannady, peacefully entered into eternal life on Friday, April, 10, 2026 in Salisbury, North Carolina. Marie is preceded in death by her husband, Norris B. Cannady, son, Stephen Cannady
and granddaughter, Shania Cannady.

A Time To Weep
Those she leaves to cherish her loving memory are her three sons: Reginald Cannady of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Norris Cannady of Maryland; and Darrell Cannady (Francine) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by a special niece, Dionne Sturdivant of Columbia, South Carolina; her sister,Mitzi Sturdivant (Vick) of Salisbury, North Carolina; ten grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; one great-great- grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, including Mrs. Freda Strange and Mrs. Beatrice Conner.

Funeral Services Wednesday April 22, 2026 entrusted by Wood Funeral Home in Philadelphia, PA.