Mission Yearbook: Two women highlighted by Trinity Presbytery celebrate more than nine decades of friendship

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Corine Lytle Cannon, 105, of Charlotte Presbytery, and Sarada Spears Mitchell, 106, of National Capital Presbytery, met in 1934 at Logan High School in Concord, North Carolina. They shared classrooms and life lessons through the 11th grade, graduating together in 1936. During that time, high school ended at the 11th grade. It was around 1942 when the 12th grade was added to secondary schools in North Carolina. Though life took Corine and Sarada in different directions — Corine remaining in North Carolina and Sarada moving to Washington, D.C. — their friendship persisted, even into today as they celebrate their golden years in assisted living homes, a choice they each made without pressure or permission from family.

Corine fondly remembers their high school principal, Ernest James, as well as many of their teachers and the subjects they taught. Even after their lives diverged, they remained connected through occasional phone calls and shared memories. Their bond, forged in youth, has withstood the test of time, becoming a source of strength and joy in their later years.

Corine and Sarada’s enduring friendship is not the only source of inspiration. Both women have dedicated their lives to mentoring younger generations, sharing wisdom steeped in Scripture and life experience. Even now, as centenarians, they continue to offer guidance and hope to their families, communities and fellow residents in their assisted living homes.

In reflecting on their incredible longevity, Sanders asked family members of both women to describe them in just one word.

Sarada’s niece, Geraldine Travis, describes her as “wonderful.” Blonde Davis calls her “wise.” Estella Dry says she is bright, and Myrtle Thomas concludes that she is smart. Each of these descriptions speaks to her vivacious life.

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Corine’s children offer equally vivid descriptions. Her son John Wesley Cannon describes his mother as “feisty.” The Rev. Dr. Jerry Cannon describes her as faithful. Doris Cannon Love calls her mother a pioneer, citing her groundbreaking role as the first African American woman hired by Concord, North Carolina’s Cannon Mills Production Department.

Both Corine and Sarada credit their Presbyterian faith for much of their guidance in life. Sarada, a lifelong Presbyterian, speaks of the church’s influence, teaching her “who to follow and who not to follow.” She recalls her father, the late John Walter Spears, an elder and superintendent of Sunday school at Bellefonte Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg, North Carolina, where she was baptized. Sarada’s faith has remained a guiding force, teaching her to “step aside and do what’s right” when faced with difficult decisions.

Corine’s spiritual journey began as a child and grew stronger when she married Esau Cannon at age 18 and joined the Presbyterian Church at age at age 19, as she tells it. Her mother and family were Presbyterians. Her involvement with the church has been long and active, spanning multiple congregations including Cedar Grove, Bethpage, and Covenant Presbyterian churches. She still teaches Bible study at her assisted living home.

Both women’s faithfulness and commitment to the church have had a lasting impact on their communities. Corine, in particular, was honored with the Lucy Laney Award in 2019 by the National Presbyterian Black Caucus for her decades of service. Her wisdom and dedication to teaching others about Christ remain central to her identity.

Though Corine and Sarada no longer speak every day, their occasional phone conversations are filled with joy and reminiscence. They know they are among the last of their high school classmates and feel blessed to still have each other to share those memories. Both women express deep gratitude for their long lives, recognizing that they have been blessed by God’s grace. Their theme song at ages 105 and 106 is “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” a fitting reflection of the faith and friendship that has sustained them for 91 years.

The number of centenarians like Corine and Sarada is growing, with women making up the majority. Yet, few will be able to claim the depth of friendship and spiritual wisdom that these two Presbyterian women have shared for over a century. Their lives remain a testament to the power of faith, love and enduring connection.

Dr. Phyllis W. Sanders, Vital Congregations Coordinator and Commissioned Pastor Evangelist for Trinity Presbytery (Click here to read original PNS story)

Let us join in prayer for:

Katherine Kupar, Communications Specialist, Presbyterian Association of Musicians
Patrick Lauture, Guest Services, Stony Point, Interim Unified Agency 

Let us pray:

O God of steadfastness and encouragement, give us hope not in ourselves but in you. Remind us that you continue to call us to your work and that you work through us to share your love and grace, taking what we have and multiplying it that all may receive and have their deepest hunger satisfied. Amen.