Sherry L. (Swearingen) Cannon

Sherry L. Cannon, 78, of Metamora, IL, passed away at 12:46 pm on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Carle Health-Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL.

She was born on December 24, 1945, in Peoria, IL, to William “Red” and Phyllis (Bill) Swearingen. She married James “JC” Cannon on July 16, 1983.

Surviving are her husband, JC, of Metamora; son, Bill “Butch” (Lisa) Koenig, Jr. and grandson Joseph Koenig of Germantown Hills, IL; two step-daughters - Jill (Bryan) Carey of Las Vegas, NV, and Erin (Chris) Schmidgall of Valparaiso, IN; two step-sons - Mike Machlan of Decatur, IL and Ron Machlan of Ft. Myers, FL; six step-grandchildren - Christopher (Sara) Stein, Sean (Sloan) Stein, Justin and Jamie Carey, and Charles and Jacy Schmidgall; and eight great-grandchildren. Her parents and step-daughter, Julie (Tom) Stein, preceded her in death.

Sherry had an adventurous spirit. As a child, she enjoyed exploring and searching for arrowheads on her uncle’s farm in Neponset. She developed a love for all things British while attending school in Glasgow, Scotland where she played field hockey and traveled to many European Cities and Countries with her parents.

Upon returning to the States, she was a proud graduate of the Class of 1962 at East Peoria High School where she was the youngest graduate in her class after earning advanced credits while attending school in Glasgow. She made many lifelong friends while at East Peoria High school and always looked forward to supporting alumni events and getting together with old friends for dinner, drinks and conversation. For many years, Sherry was an active member of Peoria Ski Club traveling to many areas in the US and Europe. Sherry and JC were co–“Smubiks” award winners in 2003.

Sherry and JC were true soulmates and shared a love of travel, visiting all but one continent. Only weather issues prevented travel to Antarctica and the goal of stepping foot on all seven continents. She and JC enjoyed their annual travel trips with their Christmas Spirits friends to many places across the U.S. Sherry loved her extended family and time spent visiting her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To know her was to love her.

After many years in the banking industry, Sherry worked and retired from Caterpillar last working in Benefits as a Retirement Coordinator. Sherry attended Willow Hill United Methodist Church in East Peoria, IL.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Willow Hill United Methodist Church with Pastor Nicole Cox officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until time of service. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Metamora. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Willow Hill United Methodist Church, 304 East Far Hills Drive, East Peoria, IL 61611 or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637. Online condolences may be given at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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