Shirley Cannon Fountain passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023 at Indywood Glen Personal Care in Greenwood, Mississippi.  She was 98 years old.

She was born in Clarksdale on September 25, 1925 and was the daughter of the late Farrah Huffman "Huff" Cannon and Mary Ella Findley Cannon.  Mrs. Fountain was raised in Clarksdale and graduated from Clarksdale High School in 1943.  As a young girl, she was a gifted and talented musician who walked to church on Saturdays to practice and perfect her role as church organist on Sundays.  She graduated with a Masters degree in music from Mary Hardin Baylor College in Belton, TX, where she was also selected as a campus beauty by her peers.

In 1948, Shirley started her career with the Greenwood School District as the Choral Director at Greenwood High.  She went on to teach 4th grade, music, and many life lessons to many hundreds of students over her 30 years as an educator.  She was beloved by her students and fellow teachers alike and also helped run the Greenwood Youth Center for many years.  Mrs. Fountain's recording of the RCA Victor album "Share our Songs" with Mrs. Virginia Alford was one of her most cherished memories, as were all of the students she instructed on piano and other instruments from her residence until her retirement.

Mrs. Fountain was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where she played the organ, directed the choir, arranged the music for Mass including some original music, and played the piano for church gatherings and events, for 20 years.  She also shared her talents on the piano at Golden Age Nursing Home for numerous Christmas celebrations, as well as numerous events, cantatas, and programs at First Presbyterian Church for 15 years, where she previously was a member and organist.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Betty Lou Stribling; grandson, Benjamin Russell Fountain; and nephew, James Lloyd Stribling III.

She leaves behind her son, Fred Liden Fountain III of Cascilla; two granddaughters, Lisa Fountain Thomas (Greg) of Brandon, and Cannon Fountain Smith (Rusty) of Oakland; four great-grandchildren, Blayne Thomas (Emily), Gracy Thomas, Aubree Smith, and Ellis Smith; four great-great-grandchilden, Lex, Ted, Ben, and Addie Thomas; and nephew, Scott Cannon Stribling (Perian) of Clarksdale.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Wilson and Knight Funeral Home in Greenwood.  A graveside service will be held Monday 10 a.m. in Oakridge Cemetery in Clarksdale.