Zelma Lee Canon

Zelma Lee (Bunny) Canon, 98, died peacefully Sunday, May 12, 2024.  She was born May 4, 1926, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to Cecil James and Jennie May Lee. She married James Roy (Buddy) Canon June 29, 1949, and they were married over 50 years. She was a lifelong resident of Pecos but had roots in Barstow. They raised two sons, Jim and Jack Canon, in Pecos.

Zelma lived a full and active life and was always ready to go. As a teenager, she played bells in the Pecos Eagle Band. She worked as a teller at Security State Bank and was the proud owner of the first savings account opened. Earlier in her life she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, West Texas Trailriders and actively involved in her boys’ school and 4-H activities. Elementary school principals would choose Mrs. Canon to take long-term substitute jobs and she was regularly recognized by her former students. Zelma and her husband traveled extensively with his Army Air Corp reunions. Zelma especially enjoyed their trip to Fowlmere, England. She made several Odessa College trips to Batopilas, Mexico, with her sister, Carol, and daughter-in-law, Marjorie. At the time of her death, she was president of the Reeves County Hospital Auxiliary and a valued volunteer at the West of the Pecos Museum. At the museum she became an important resource for land men searching for information while doing title work for oil and gas leases. Recently the Pecos Valley Masonic Lodge presented Zelma the 2023 Community Builder Award for her unending volunteer work.

She is preceded in death by her parents Cecil James and Jennie May Lee, her husband, James Roy Canon, brother Cecil Jim Lee and sister Annabel Pruitt. 

She is survived by her sons Jim Canon and wife Marjorie of Yantis, and Jack Canon and wife Cookie of Pecos; grandchildren John Canon (Genessa Avara), Jennie Bradley (Jack) and Ashley Lara; 4 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; sister Carol Clark and many beloved nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be at the Pecos Funeral Home Thursday from 6:00- 7:00. Graveside services will be 2:00 Friday, May 17, at Mount Evergreen Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to the West of the Pecos Museum or a favorite charity.