Elaine Cannon

Dr. Elaine Wesley Oates Cannon, born on October 16, 1942, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, peacefully passed away on July 8, 2025, surrounded by LOVE. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and child of God; leaving behind a profound impact on the lives of all those who knew her.

The eldest of three daughters born to Horace and Princie Oates, Elaine had strong roots in The Deep Greenwood Community of Tulsa. Her parents and grandparents raised her to respect everyone and instilled in her the values of love, determination, and compassion which led to a lifelong commitment to fight for Black Equality and Social Justice.

As a graduate of the extraordinary class of 1960 Booker T. Washington High School, Elaine went on to receive her Doctorate of Sociology in 1995. Along the way she matriculated through San Francisco State University where she pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; returned to Tulsa and married her high school sweetheart Joseph N. Cannon; completed a Bachelor of Arts in English at the University of Colorado Boulder where her beloved daughter Devi was born. Upon moving to Washington, D.C. in 1972 where her beloved son Changa was born; Elaine continued her graduate studies at Howard University where she received both her Masters and Ph.D. in the field of Sociology.

Elaine's graceful balance of her faith, family, education, career, and friendships reflected her unwavering belief in the Power of Resilience, and Importance of The Black Family.

As a FRIEND: Elaine will be remembered by her classmates, sorority sisters, coworkers and other treasured friends as a passionate humanitarian- generous with her wisdom, honest to her core, refreshingly candid, and fun-loving.

As an EDUCATOR: Elaine was widely recognized in her field and deeply respected by her peers for her insight, dedication, and scholarship. Elaine left a lasting and positive impact on the lives of her students, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of learning from her.

As a devoted Mother and Grandmother: Elaine faithfully prayed for, encouraged, and supported her children. She will be remembered for instilling in them a deep love for God; Pride in who they are; Faith and Service to the community- Evidence of this is reflected in their love for family, pursuit of academic excellence, strong work ethic, and dedication to uplifting others.

She will be remembered for her poise, her grace, her refined style- "By Culture and By Merit."

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents and her youngest sister, DeNiece Wesley Oates Johnson. She is survived by her beloved children, Devi Cannon Ramey, and Dr. Changa H. Cannon (Brandi); her cherished grandchildren, Justin Lemar Ramey, Laina Sophia Ramey, Roman Wesley Cannon, Ian Joseph Cannon; sister, Rochelle Oates Brown; nieces, Kemba Brown, Nia James (Kellan), and Jana Johnson; cousins James Collins II, and Delores Smith; son-in-law, Vernon Ramey; brother-in-law, Ernest Johnson; great-nephews, Jordan Wright and Brice Banks; and great-niece Quincey James.