OTTO - Olive Jean Cannon Marett passed peacefully on Jan. 22, 2022. Jean was born in Pitt County to Docia Ann Clark Cannon and Alonza David Cannon.
Upon graduation from the Farm Life School in Vanceboro, she joined her sister Alice in New Bern and went to work at the Western Union office. Here she met Norman Charles Marett, an aircraft technical representative for Vought Aircraft Corporation. They married on Jan. 2, 1946, and led happy and productive lives together for 55 years until Norman’s passing in July 2001. The couple’s first child, son Richard Charles, was born in New Bern. Norman’s work moved the small family to Arlington, Texas, where their second child, daughter Pamela Carole was born. The couple retired in 1978 and moved to the home they had es-tablished in Otto in 1968.
Jean was an active and valued volunteer worker in Macon County. Her contributions included the Child Safety Identification Program at Otto Elementary School, Otto Garden Club, Franklin Garden Club, church women’s groups, PEO, Republican Women’s Club, Macon County Republicans, Angel Hospital, FROG, Medication Assistance Program, and Franklin Women’s Club. She also enjoyed the pleasure of women’s golf and tennis. She valued her friends and was ever ready to help each.
She is survived by her son, Richard (Janet) of Iowa; daughter, Pamela of Otto; grandchildren Peyton of Greensboro, Christopher (Stephanie) of Iowa, Rebecca Passi (Christopher) of Minnesota; great-grandchildren Alexander, Owen, Ben, Keira; sister-in-law, Sherry Cannon of Virginia; her very loved nieces, nephews, grandnephews, and grandnieces in North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Washington and California.
Jean was a beautiful woman inside and out, a good wife, mother, loyal friend, and believing Christian.
Jean’s funeral is scheduled at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at Macon Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11 a.m. prior to the service. The graveside service follows at Rush Cemetery in Otto.
Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Otto Volunteer Fire Department, 60 Fire House Road, Otto, NC 28763.