Nora Tickle Cannon

Nora Tickle Cannon, 68, of Portland, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Born June 8, 1957, in Memphis, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Samuel Milton Tickle and Phyllis Alexander Tickle.

Nora's educational journey began at Hutchison School, continued at Grace-St. Luke's Academy, and culminated with her graduation from Saint Mary's School in May 1975. She attended Christian Brothers College in Memphis, where she married Devereaux Dunlap Cannon, Jr., on May 8, 1976. Nora later graduated with high honors from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree and becoming a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Scholastic Fraternity. Her pursuit of legal education led her to the George C. Taylor College of Law, where she excelled academically, serving as editor-in-chief of the Tennessee Law Review during the 1985-86 academic year and being admitted to the prestigious Order of Coif. She graduated in June 1986 with her Juris Doctorate degree, ranked third in her class, and was awarded the Dean's Citation for Extraordinary Contributions to the College of Law.

Nora's legal career commenced when she served as a judicial clerk to Judge Thomas A. Wiseman, the chief judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee from 1986 to 1987. She then joined the Nashville law firm of King & Ballow before accepting her appointment in August 1995 as General Counsel and Director of the Office of Legal Counsel for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. In February 2000, she took on the role of Director of Alternative Dispute Resolution Service, further showcasing her dedication to the legal field and her community.

Beyond her impressive career, Nora's personal life was marked by her love for food, flowers, and gardening. She was also deeply religious and a devoted member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church, reflecting her commitment to her faith throughout her life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Devereaux D. Cannon, Jr.; brother Phillip Wade Tickle; and brother-in-law Lee Palermo.

Nora leaves behind a loving family, including her son, Devereaux D. (Joleen) Cannon, III, and daughter, Kate (Derick) Cannon Samayoa. She is also survived by her siblings Mary (Emmett) Ballard, Laura (Lee) Palermo, John Crockett (Patti) Tickle, III, Samuel Milton Tickle, Jr., and Rebecca Rutledge Tickle. Her cherished grandchildren, Devereaux D. Cannon, IV, Brian B. Cannon, Andrew A. Cannon, Elise Cannon Samayoa, and Luke Harrison Samayoa, will carry forward her legacy.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 24, from 1pm til 2pm in the narthex of St. John Vianney Catholic Church 449 N Water Avenue in Gallatin. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2pm with Father Richard Childress as Celebrant and The Reverend Monsignor Stephen Gideon as Concelebrant. Burial will follow in Gallatin Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  Checks for this donation may be mailed to St. John Vianney Catholic Church 449 North Water Avenue, Gallatin, TN 37066.

As we remember Nora, we honor a woman whose intellect, grace, and spirit made an indelible mark on the lives she touched. Her contributions to both her profession and her family will be cherished and remembered fondly by all who knew her.

Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center has been entrusted with the final care for Mrs. Cannon.