On Wednesday morning, February 28, 2024, Candace “Candy” Marie Kirsch Kelley exhaled the things of earth and inhaled the breath of Heaven. What a celebration for her as she joined her husband and daughter, Mike & Jessica Kelley, and her parents, John Lester & Rosemary Moran Kirsch, in the glory of their Savior Jesus Christ!
Longing with expectant hope for the day they will see her again, Candy’s children and families rise up to call her blessed: Michael & Chandy, Charlotte & Mac Kelley; Melissa & Kendell, Eliyah, Ava, Kaelyn & Karissa Porterfield; Jeremy & Michelle, Kinsley, Caden & Addie Kelley; Jon & Ashley, Evie & Ian Kelley; and Joshua & Claire, Mollie, Lucy, Felicity & Declan Kelley.
Candy’s legacy extends to the many lives she has touched through her faithful prayers and encouragements, including her siblings’: Deborah Ann Kirsch, John Geoffrey Kirsch, Patricia Jo Messier, Paula Wilson, David Francis Kirsch, James Patrick Kirsch, Kevin Richard Kirsch, and extended families.
Candy grew up in a loving home in Lockport, NY where she enjoyed a wonderful childhood playing in the cornfields with her brothers and sisters, taking piano lessons, walking to Randleigh Farms for ice cream, and developing a love for God through her Catholic upbringing.
Throughout her life Candy’s love for God became a passion marked by a steadfast prayer life; time in His Word, sitting at His feet; abundant fruit of the Spirit; sacrificial love; and the transforming power of God. She trusted Him completely and shared that as long as her hope was in Him she would not be disappointed.
She was known for seeing the reference of her favorite Scripture verse everywhere…
Jeremiah 33:3: “Call unto Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things you do not know.”
She was often heard quoting her favorites:
“A joy shared is twice the joy and a sorrow shared is half the sorrow.” – Kay Arthur
“I’d rather die in faith than live in unbelief.” – Steve Solomon
Candy had a wonderful perspective of God:
“He loves me. He understands me. He is for me. I run to Him. I yield. I surrender. I present myself a living sacrifice. He is my I Am! I trust Him.”
Candace Marie Kirsch Kelley was a loving and faithful wife; a loving and patient mother; and a loving and generous friend. Our hearts ache in this temporary separation, but we do not weep as those who have no hope. We are confident her Heavenly welcome included, “Well done, good and faithful servant…enter thou into the JOY of the Lord.” Matthew 25:21
Visitation with the family will be held at Blackman Baptist Church located at 390 Brinkley Road in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Sunday, March 31, 2024 from 2:00 – 3:00 pm. Immediately following the visitation, friends and family are welcome to join Candy’s family for a celebration of her life from 3:00 – 4:00 pm. We request that all guests wear cream to remember Candy, as it was her favorite.
For those who wish, memorials may be made in memory of Ms. Kelley to Alive Hospice, 1629 Williams Drive, Murfreesboro, TN. 37129.
