Family recalls kindness of Lakeside High grad

Alexis Noelle Colohan-Cannon Haworth packed a lot of experiences into her short life.

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"In 21 years we did so much," her mother, Jean Colohan-Cannon said, recalling the many trips she took with her daughter, including those to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the aquarium in Chattanooga, Tenn., and Graceland. "I'm so grateful to have all those different memories."

Haworth, a 2005 Lakeside High School graduate, died April 6 after a head-on collision April 4 in St. Mary's, Ga. She is the fifth Columbia County high school graduate -- four of them from Lakeside -- to die this year in car crashes.

Haworth completed her second year of pre-law at Georgia Southern University before moving to St. Mary's after her December 2006 marriage to Matthew A. Haworth.

It is Haworth's caring and giving nature that her family and friends will remember. Colohan-Cannon said it was not unusual for her daughter to give away leftovers or a jacket to someone in need.

"She thought nothing of giving a blanket or a jacket to somebody who was cold," Colohan-Cannon said.

Haworth also had a soft spot for animals. She adopted two homeless puppies, including a mastiff she named Popeye, in honor of her husband, who was stationed on a U.S. Navy submarine when she died.

"She named him Popeye, so that when Matt was out to sea, she'd always have a sailor with her," Colohan-Cannon said.

Haworth's grandmother, Virginia Colohan, said the newlywed had taken a year off from college to adjust to married life but was eager to get back to school and start her own family.

"She just had so much. She was the granddaughter everybody hopes to have," Colohan said. "It is easy to love a child who gives so much love back."

Haworth's funeral was held Saturday at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, with burial in Bellevue Memorial Gardens near Grovetown.

Haworth's family is establishing a memorial scholarship at Augusta State University. Contributions can be sent to P.O. Box 212606, Martinez, GA 30917.

"We wanted to do it for ... young married ladies who are trying to go to college and need a little helping hand," Colohan said.