Emily Ann Johnsey Canter, age 75, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Born in Jackson, TN on May 5, 1947, she was the daughter of the late John Harry and Emma Jean Bell Johnsey.
She graduated from Jackson High School in 1965 and Union University in 1969, where she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. In 1974, she graduated from Memphis State University with her master’s degree in education. She taught in the Jackson-Madison County School System and at Episcopal Day School.
Emily married Ronald Earl Canter on March 22, 1970. They were communicants of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, where they sang in the choir, were sponsors of The Episcopal Young Churchmen, directing the annual Feast of Lights Epiphany Pageant and folding palm crosses. She was active with the Episcopal Church Women, especially the annual Calendar Party Luncheon.
She considered herself a prop maker, including mouse heads and Beatrix Potter animal head forms, various teapots, and Cinderella carriage paintings for Ballet Arts. She was a past president of The Jackson Theatre Guild, having directed productions of Jesse Hill Fords’ Conversion of Buster Drumright, Quilters, Dracula, and The Miracle Worker.
Other than her husband of 53 years, Ron Canter, of Jackson, TN, she is survived by her daughter,
Margaret Ruth Jessie of Memphis, TN, and her son, John Robert Canter (Lela) of Germantown, TN, and four grandsons, Caleb Michael Jessie, Joshua Alexander Jessie, Robert McFadden Canter, and Samuel Lee Canter.
SERVICES: The Memorial Service for Emily will be held Monday, April 10, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. A reception will follow in Parish Hall. A private family burial will take place at Hollywood Cemetery.
Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 10, 2023, at St. Luke’s.
The family asks that memorials be directed to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 309 E. Baltimore St, Jackson, TN 38301, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
For information:
https://www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com/plan-ahead/online-pre-planning-form
Arrington Funeral Directors 148 W. University Parkway Jackson, TN 38305
