Evelyn Vernell de la Houssaye

Evelyn Vernell “Vernell” de la Houssaye passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky at the age of 91 surrounded by family. She was born November 26, 1934 in Tallahassee, Florida. She was predeceased by her: parents, Joseph Alan and Ethel Corine (Maige)Vinzant; husband, Milton August de la Houssaye "Guy Cannon"; sister, Marlene (Vinzant) Wainright; brother, Joseph Laroy Vinzant; nephew, Carl Wainright; niece, Diane (Wainright) Lamb.

Born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, she attended FSU and graduated with a BA in Art. She married her childhood sweetheart, Milton August de la Houssaye "Guy Cannon" in 1958. They had 3 daughters. Vernell was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her love and devotion to family extended far beyond immediate members to in-laws, nieces and nephews. She was an artist, avid gardener, and a valued friend to all who knew her. She was a kind and generous soul who would reach out to assist anyone in need. She showed them they were worthy, valued, and loved. Most of all she loved time spent with her family around the dining room table where tears streaked through laughter and many cherished memories were made.

She leaves behind her three beloved daughters: Deborah Lea (Keith) Kenyon, Della Marie Cannon, Dennette Noree (Mike) de la Houssaye-Welch; foster-son Mike (Patty) Goroll; four grandchildren: Jessica Lea (Timothy Suthers) Kenyon, Kiera Lea Kenyon, Britney Marie (Layne) Whitaker, Ryan (Georgia) de la Houssaye and a newly minted great-grandson Henry Milton de la Houssaye; sisters in-laws: Myra Vinzant and Gloria Brown; nieces and nephews; and many close family friends.

The family will hold services privately.  Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, East Louisville Chapel,  235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, KY 40243 are entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to one of the following charities: Boystown, Heifer International, Smile Train, T2T (Tunnel to Towers), or Alley Cat Advocates International.

What a blessing it has been to have someone like her set an example for us all. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

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