November 20, 2025, 94, Goldsboro —
Redia Cannon Best, 94, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Born in Oak City, North Carolina on November 26, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Joe Wade Cannon and Zada Cox Cannon.
In addition to her parents, Redia is preceded in death by her sisters, Margaret Daughtry, Mildred Midgett, Myrtle Joyner, Melba Parker, Martha Butts, Mabel Lois Higgins, and Mary Frances Sweeney; and brothers, Mack Cannon and Orris Cannon.
Redia is survived by her husband of 78 years, Tony Best, Sr.; children, Rita Linville and husband, Dan, and Tony Best, Jr.; Granddaughter, Lauren Linville; and bonus family, Clint and Caron Borel and their children, Dylan and Emily. Redia is also survived by many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.
She devoted 34 years of her life to General Electric, where she worked as an inspector and was respected for her strong work ethic and her attention to detail.
Outside of her career, Redia was a woman of many talents and passions. She loved oil painting and enjoyed needlework, often creating beautiful pieces. She found joy in cooking for family and friends. Redia also loved searching for antiques, embracing the stories and history behind each find. Staying active was important to her, and she took great pride in maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise.
Redia’s heart for others was evident in the way she lived. She was always helping those in need and frequently prepared and delivered meals to residents in rest homes, offering comfort and companionship through her acts of kindness. Her faith was central to her life; she was a devoted member of Salem United Methodist Church and a proud member of the Eastern Star, where she formed lifelong friendships and served her community with grace.
Redia shared a remarkable 78-year marriage with her beloved husband, Tony. Their partnership was a testament to enduring love, mutual respect, and deep devotion—an inspiration to all who knew them.
Redia will be remembered for her generous spirit, her artistic gifts, her boundless compassion, and the love she poured into every aspect of her life. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.
A memorial service to celebrate Redia’s life will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Gentiva Hospice, 2309 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534 in memory of Redia.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to her special caregivers, Barbara, Susan, Lovie, Lupaze and Napthal for their exceptional compassion, devotion, and support. They would also like to thank Taylor with Gentiva Hospice. Their loving care brought comfort, dignity, and peace to Redia in her final days, and the family is deeply grateful for their kindness.
