Carol Elizabeth Baum Cannon

Carol Elizabeth Baum Cannon passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of February 12, 2026. Born on July 26, 1944, Carol grew up in Arlington, Virginia, the middle of the three beautiful daughters of Elva Robey and Caleb Barnhouse Baum. Carol was one of the first to attend The Yorktown School in 1950. The school later became Yorktown High School and she was among the first graduates in the class of 1962.

Carol met the love of her life, David Stoner Cannon, through her childhood friend, Donna Lou (Dorman) Long. It was love at first sight for both of them. Carol and David married in 1965 in a small ceremony at Arlington United Methodist Church. They shared a love that was truly special. Through that love they raised 4 children and opened numerous Marriott hotels across the country. In those early years, they moved from Virginia, where Leslie was born, to Arizona, where Cheri was born, to Boston, where Scott was born, to Philadelphia, and back to Virginia, where Emily was born. During those years Carol thrived as a full-time mother to her four adoring children. She loved music and played her records in the house at all hours of the day and night. She was especially fond of Barbara Streisand, John Denver, Barry Manilow, and Kenny Rogers. She loved love songs, the ones that touched her heart and ours and made us cry every time we heard them. (And still do). Carol was passionate about many things. She enjoyed baking, gardening, socializing, hosting parties, snuggling kittens, and serving others. She cherished the arts and frequented The Kennedy Center. She loved the beach and worshipped the sun. Her love language was gifts; she delighted in giving gifts, but nothing brought her more happiness than her family, in whom she took tremendous pride. Carol was happiest when she was with her children and grandchildren. She never missed a football game, soccer game, softball game, lacrosse game, volleyball game, dance recital, piano recital, swim meet, talent show, or birthday party. She simply adored her family.

Carol lived a life of service, not only to her family, but to her friends, her community, our country, and the world. Her volunteerism began at Dunn Loring Elementary school where she served as PTA President and a Troop Leader for the Brownies and Girl Scouts. She went on to coach Vienna Girls Softball teams, volunteer with Meals on Wheels, and serve on the boards of Vale United Methodist Church and Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. She loved her country and was very involved with the Republican Women’s Club, serving as a chapter president and hosting countless fundraisers. She later became a volunteer in the White House Correspondent’s Office under George W. Bush and was honored to be invited to the opening ceremony of the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Dallas, Texas. She was also very involved with the Children’s Friendship Project of Northern Ireland and looked forward to hosting teenage exchange students every summer for many years. Her generosity was unmatched. She put others before herself time and time again and lived a life defined by selflessness and compassion.

Carol was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. She is survived by her sisters Linda (Baum) Shema and Sally (Baum) Sullivan, her four children, Leslie (Cannon) Chandler, Cheri (Cannon) Field, Scott Cannon, and Emily (Cannon) Steiner, and her seven grandchildren, Drew Chandler, Rachel and Ava Field, Leo and Stella Steiner, and Oak and Eddie Ault-Cannon. Even in her final days, Carol spoke of David, her husband of 43 years who preceded her in death, as the great love of her life.

A Celebration of Carol’s Life will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 2:00pm at Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, Virginia. A reception at the church will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Carol’s name to The American Cancer Society or Inova Schar Cancer Institute.