Yvonne Leemons Canady, wife of prominent businessman and philanthropist Blanton Canady died on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 after an 11-year battle with early onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Much could be said in remembrance of the beloved wife who was a bright light that shone in the lives of all who knew her, and a solid effervescent presence always at her husband’s side in his various endeavors. Her genuine warmth could linger in a room long after her exit.
Yvonne was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to parents Willie B. Caldwell and Clifford Dewitt Miller, and was the youngest of three girls. After her family moved to Memphis, she attended Memphis Immaculate Conception Catholic High School and Christian Brothers College. Yvonne came to Chicago to pursue her sales career and was well-known as the former Director of Marketing for Black Enterprise Magazine. Her major clients included General Motors and Ford.
She married Blanton Canady in 2003, and they built a life together based on their shared values of “God, family and friends.” Both were devout members of Apostolic Church of God in Chicago and gave of their time and resources to various nonprofit organizations. Yvonne is survived by her devoted husband Blanton, son Blanton Canady II (Sheri), grandson Blanton Canady III, sisters Sharmeen Hawkins (Greg) of Atlanta, Marshia Gilmore of Memphis, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Private services were held at Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago.
