Lessie Canady Lasseter

Lessie Beatrice Canady Lasseter, born September 30, 1927, in Millen, Georgia, to the proud parents Deacon Joe Cephus and
Lessie Beatrice Shoemake Canady, peacefully passed away on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2024, at Stephens County Hospital in
Toccoa, Georgia. Coincidentally, it was the same day her youngest sister, Rubye Canady Oldyn, also departed in 2021.

Growing up in a Christian household alongside her sisters Anna Canady and Rubye Canady Oldyn, Lessie's faith was central to
her life. She was a devoted member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, where her father served as a Deacon for over 25 years.
Lessie pursued her education fervently, earning teaching degrees from Fort Valley State College (now Fort Valley University)
and Savannah State College (now Georgia State University).

Married to the late Clarence Lasseter, Lessie was a loving mother to her son LaFarr Lasseter. She dedicated herself to teaching,
particularly in special education, leaving a lasting impact on students in Stephens County and Walton County, Georgia. Later,
she spent over three decades at the California State Hospital of Porterville, passionately working with mentally challenged
children until her retirement.

Returning to Toccoa, Georgia, upon retirement, Lessie continued to serve her community as a home economics teacher in the
Stephens County School System. She remained deeply committed to education, mentoring special needs students in grades 6-
12 and actively participating in the Georgia Teacher’s Retirement system and the Stephens County Retired Educators
Association.

Lessie's faith was evident in her unwavering support of Mount Zion Baptist Church, where she generously contributed her time,
talents, and resources. She played a significant role in various church activities, from providing flowers for Passion Week to
assisting with technological upgrades. Her philanthropic spirit extended beyond her local community, as she supported
Historical Black Colleges (HBCUs) and the African American Museum in Washington, D.C.

Known affectionately as "Ms. Lessie" at The Picture of Life Assistant Living Rest Home, where she resided under the faithful care
of Bobbi Holley, Lessie's steadfast faith in God touched the lives of those around her. She is survived by her nephew Carlton
Lanier White of Dallas, Texas; devoted cousins Mrs. Grayce Davis of Woodbridge, Virginia, and Otis Canady III of Toccoa,
Georgia; and step-niece Dr. Diana Chandler Banks (Walter) of Boiling Springs, South Carolina. She also leaves behind cherished
great nieces and a nephew along with a host of cousins and friends.

Lessie was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Cephus Canady and Lessie Beatrice Shoemake Canady, her son LaFarr
Lasseter, sisters Anna Canady and Rubye Canady Oldyn, brother, and nephew Kevin Canady. Her legacy of love, faith, and
service will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.