Annie “Miriam” Beale

Annie Miriam Beale was born August 18, 1932 to the union of George Henry Cannon and Annie Laura (Smith) Cannon. She is the oldest of three children. She attended Buffalo, New York Public Schools and graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1950.
Annie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age while attending Michigan Avenue Baptist Church in Buffalo, New York. Annie exemplified Christian character throughout her life. Through being rooted and grounded in the Lord, she displayed the fruits of the Spirit to the world.
Miriam moved with her family from Sandersville, Georgia to Buffalo, New York at the age of 12. She later met Joseph Beale and they soon began a courtship. His mother, Mrs. Emily Beale, told me that my father had a cold and was confined to the house. She stated that “my mother made him homemade soup and brought it to the house. That is when my grandmother said she knew that they were going to get married. They were married soon thereafter. To this union were born four sons. The eldest Joseph John Jr., followed by twins David Cannon and Daniel Cannon, and James Kenneth.
Miriam continued to grow in character and service to the Lord. She was asked to speak frequently in her church. In addition to her many great characteristics, our mother was a very humble lady. She would often tell me that she would always depend on the Lord for what to say when she spoke. She was also a strong prayer warrior. The Lord also used Miriam in Jail ministry ministering to women who were incarcerated. She was used by God to bring many souls to the Lord and experience his salvation. She was also a prolific community organizer and held a prominent position in B.U.I.L.D. (Build, Unity, Independence, Liberty, Dignity) for many years. Through this community organization, she helped build a school, protest racial discrimination wherever it manifested, and address police brutality in our community. She also sponsored fun events like skating parties to give youth in the community wholesome activities to participate in. She also attended training in community organizing at University of California Berkely, as well as seminars in Chicago, Illinois with Saul Alinsky.
Miriam loved her family! She opened her home to her Father George Cannon and cared for him for many years. She was a wonderful wife to her husband Joseph for 46 years. She was loving and caring to all her sons, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and daughters-in-law. She would sing to everyone on their birthdays. Last, she was a warm, caring, and loving spirit to our neighbor’s and the community at large.
Miriam enjoyed cooking, eating, world travel, and watching the Buffalo Bills football team on Sunday.
Our beloved Mother made her transition on August 29, 2024. I am the resurrection, and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever lived and believeth in me shall never die. St. John 11:25-26.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph Beale, Father George H. Cannon, Mother Annie Laurel Cannon, and brother George Cannon.
She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her wonderful, glorious life sons, Joseph (wife Linda), Daniel (wife Jessie), David (Vicki), and James. Brother Alfred Cannon (wife Barbara), grandchildren Andre Beale, Stephanie Beale, Karen Beale, and numerous Grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral Services for Annie will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 10 am at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 E. Main Street, Endicott. Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park, Vestal, NY. The family will receive friends on Saturday at the Allen Memorial Home from 9 am until Service time at 10 am.