Candace O’Livia Melvin Rice went home to be with her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ on July 11, 2018. Candy was born in Greensboro, NC on September 30, 1967 to the late William and Virginia Melvin. Candy shared a deep love with her husband Robert L. Rice of 29 years. They were truly soul mates. Through the years they enjoyed so many adventures in their travels and her determination and strong spirit always made everything amazing. She is the beloved sister of William Melvin, II (Cheryl), Ginger Jackson (Dan), Debbie Little (Alvin) and was preceded in death by her sister Pamela Tartt.
Candy was part of a large loving family, sisters in law, brothers in law, many precious nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She will be greatly missed by her mother in love, Claudia (Buzz) and of course Candy’s fur baby, Cabo.
Candace was a graduate of Laney High School and a Phi Alpha Honor Society graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She enjoyed her career of service and caring as a social worker with Liberty Hospice and Pender Memorial Hospital.
Candy was always there to brighten the lives of others with her beautiful smile and dimples. Candy had a passion for helping those in need. She was a second mother, counselor and advisor to all who needed it.
Candy formed many forever relationships with many special people. She was able to express her love and have a remarkable bond with her friends, some of those going back 40 years.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at Northside Church 2501 N. College Rd. Wilmington, NC. Family will receive friends beginning at 1:30pm. Pastor Kenny Chinn and Pastor David Kelly will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the animal shelter or charity of your choice.
28 Comments
My best friend forever ….words can never describe how much I love you and how much you will be missed. I will see you in heaven. Love Heather and Tom
She was truly a special person to me. I will miss her something awful. Prayers for Rob and her family.
Heaven truly gained an angel?
Praying for all who love Candy and Rob. This very sweet lady will be missed.
She was such a special lady and will greatly be missed. She always had a smile on her face when you met up with her. Will keep you all in my prayers.
Candy lived next door to us for many years, but she was more like family than just a neighbor. She was one of THE sweetest women I have ever met. I will miss her dimples, giggles, and texts. Love you, sweet lady. Rest peacefully. We will take care of Rob.
Such a sweet sweet lady. Always had a smile on her face. My prayers are with all the family ???
Rob I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t even begin to imagine.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this very special lady. Rest In Peace.
I remember Candy as a very professional social worker with a kind and patient spirit for those she served. So glad I had the opportunity to meet and work with her. We will be praying for Rob and the family.
Candace had such a sweet smile and a calming presence. I am blessed to have known and worked with her. Prayers to all of her family. Candace, rest. You’re work is finished and He is well pleased.
Candy will always be in our hearts. She is the best sister in law anyone could ever have and so glad she and my brother were brought together. We love you both very much.
You have completed your mission here on earth… You Have gained your wings…. Heavan has truly gain an angel.. So sad that you are no longer here with us.. But when I think about who my new special angel is looking over me.. it warms my heart to know it’s you up their shinning your bright smile over me… Love you Candy… All my prays go to you Rob and family.. Thank you for sharing her she was such a phenomenal person…
I am glad to say that I was touched briefly by Candy’s loving spirit. Rob, words are not able to express how sorry I am for your loss. Much love.
She was a sweet person may she rip and she will be missed.
Dear Candy, Since the times we were both young enough to play as kids together through all the many years after, I only ever admired you. I had the coolest, most loving aunt, friend, even a kind of older sister in you. I will never forget the times you took me out in that big blue Impala. You gave me my first tastes of adventure! Some of my favorite times as an adult with you are the talks we had walking the loop at the beach. I loved how we ended up going to UNCW at the same time, taking the required PE class together that one Summer because we knew we would hate it together easier, and we did. There are too many great times to remember at once. The energy you gave off was so incredibly bright and strong. It still lingers. You will still be here in my heart, always. Love, Courtney (cb)
I am so sad to read this. Candace was always so helpful and always smiling! Prayers being sent to her family.
Earths loss is Heavens gain. Praying for peace that only GOD can give.
Words are not able to express how sorry I am for your loss. Rob, please know that whatever you need, whenever you need it – we are here. Peace and love.
My deepest condolences to you Rob and your family. So very sorry for your loss.
I will truly miss one of my favorite Aunt’s!!! You have always been a wonderful Aunt. I had lots of fun over the years with you as my aunt. I will always love and miss you. Say hello to my mom
My heart felt condolences be with you and your family at the home going service of your dear wife, family member, and friend. I pray that The Comforter be with each and everyone of you all during this time. May you always think on the loving memories of your life together that God gave you.
We are so sorry to hear of Candy’s passing. I always remember playing with her in the afternoons. She was a good and funny person.
Candy was such a special person. She was so caring and understanding and loved life. I will always remember Candy with love and smiles from the friendship we grew the summer of 2016. My heart goes out to you Rob!
Rob, you and Candy were truly meant for each other. I am deeply saddened by your loss.
So very sorry to hear about your loss. My condolence to you and your family. It will be so wonderful when death is no more. Rev.21:3,4. And see them again on Earth in the future. Acts 24:15 Psalms 37: 11, 29 what a comfort to know that Go does not cause death at this time. Ecclasiastes 9:11. And in God’s kingdom, Jesus will bring the dead back to life again on Earth and make a paradise here , in the future. Revelation 21:3,4 Isaiah 26:19. Psalms 37:11,29 I am praying for strength beyond normal for you, and comfort for you and your family. My email is: kathy122346@gmail.com. for more comfort all free Kathy
So very sorry to hear about your loss. My condolence to you and your family. It will be so wonderful when death is no more. Rev.21:3,4. And see them again on Earth in the future. Acts 24:15 Psalms 37: 11, 29 what a comfort to know that Go does not cause death at this time. Ecclasiastes 9:11. And in God’s kingdom, Jesus will bring the dead back to life again on Earth and make a paradise here , in the future. Revelation 21:3,4 Isaiah 26:19. Psalms 37:11,29 I am praying for strength beyond normal for you, and comfort for you and your family. For more comfort from the Bible for free , please. Check out for everything free Bible baced Website: https://bit.ly/2PaZ4HQ
So sorry to hear about your loss. I am praying for strength beyond normal, to comfort you and your family. God does Not cause death right now. Time and unforeseen occurrences befall all. Ecclesiastes 9:11. Soon our heavenly father is sending his son , Jesus, to solve all mankinds problems, by means of his kingdom coming here on Earth. Matthew 6:10; Daniel 2:44 .The scripture”, Our father who art in Heaven hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on Earth , as it is in Heaven.” You see it is a government that Jesus will rule as King. It will bring no more pain, no more sorrow, no more tears, no more death. Revelation 21:3-5. The dead will live again, here on Earth. Acts 24:15; Psalms 37:11, 29; Isaiah 26:19. Make sure you look up all the scripture to see this is all true. There is more. If your interested please email : https://bit.ly/2PaZ4HQ It is all Free.
Kathy
Add Condolence Message