On February 11, 1971, Candace Yvette Dula made her presence into this world.  Born to Jean Roberts Dula (deceased), and William Lewis Dula (deceased), Candy was a bubbly, happy baby. She was the apple of her father's eye, and he gave her the nickname "Poochie," a name only he called her. As a little girl, Candy was quiet and observant, but as she approached her preteen/teenage years, she became quite mischievous and inquisitive. She wanted to know everything and was willing to try anything! She was fearless.  She was truly that middle child, the one that our mother worried about the most, but also the one with the biggest heart of gold
After graduating from Surrattsville High School in Clinton, MD, Candy's life journey took several paths. Most of her early work experience included managing McDonalds for several years and performing administrative duties for agencies in both the DMV and in St. Thomas, Virgin Island (V.I.). But she soon realized her true calling: working with children and a reverence for the ministry. Candy loved working with the children at Samuel Chase Elementary School (7 years).   In her capacity as both a general and special education resource substitute teacher, she sometimes marveled at the challenges of teaching but found great satisfaction in knowing that she made a difference. As was Candy, she sometimes joked about bringing some of her students' home. Before moving to her heavenly home, she was one semester away from receiving her Elementary Teaching Certificate. She was so proud of this accomplishment!
Candy had two church homes: St. John CME and Nisky Moravian Church (St. Thomas, V.I.). It was while at Nisky that her journey into the ministry began, starting with leading the children's choir. Her relationship with God was truly developed at St. John as Candy strengthened her dedication to the ministry by becoming very involved in some of the church's committees and choirs (she sang in most of them). But what she was most proud of, and looked forward to, was taking her final exam towards becoming ordained.
Candy loved her children fiercely. They were the light of her life. She did her very best to ensure that they had all what they needed, even when times were not always easy. For them, she demonstrated love, strength, endurance, courage, forgiveness, and a deep spiritual foundation. She taught them kindness and caring- Candy never met an animal she didn't love or tried to take home.  Our family will keep the memory and spirit of Candy alive for her grandchildren, Ma'kii and Frances, who, though only for a brief time, knew her love and warmth.
Candy was preceded in death by her mother Jean and father William (Bill).  She leaves to carry on her memory her children: Adam, Miika, and Heiress; her grandchildren, Ma'kii and Frances; her sister Jackie, her brother William (Smoke); her nephews Quin and Jordan;  Aunts Ada Mae (Godmother), Celia, Delrease, and Ardella; Uncles Lubin (Butch), Edwaldo (Twalo), and Dennis (Mac); adopted mom Etelka (Nana), special sister Lisa, Mentor Reverend Dr. Errol Connor, and a host other cousins, relatives and friends.
We will miss Candy. We will miss her light, love, humor, loud laughter, and gentle, compassionate spirit.  Her life was a blessing. Her memory is a treasure. We will always keep Candy in our hearts because a life that touched so many will go on forever.
Fly away peacefully, Candy, and rest in paradise.