In Loving Memory of Candace "Candy" Dobson 

August 20, 1957 —June 24, 2026

To know Candy was to know someone who never stopped making room—for one more child, one more friend, one more family gathering, one more person who simply needed to belong. Born on August 20, 1957, to Willie and Dorothy Speaks, Candy grew up learning the values of faith and compassion that would define every chapter of her life. She attended North Iredell High School in Olin, NC, before earning her Paralegal Degree from Wake Forest University. She faithfully served the City of Winston-Salem as a paralegal until her retirement. 

Retirement, however, did not slow her down. It simply gave her more opportunities to serve as she accepted a part-time position caring for elderly individuals and those living with dementia. It was work that perfectly reflected her heart. She was naturally drawn to people who were often overlooked, forgotten, or unable to care for themselves. She had an extraordinary gift for seeing needs that others missed and quietly meeting them with kindness. Though she later faced dementia herself, she met that journey with the same grace that characterized her life. 

Candy believed love was something you did. She was the kind of person who would invite children on family vacations—and pay their way—simply because she wanted them to experience joy. She had an immeasurable love for children, not only her own family, but countless others who she "adopted". She delighted in birthdays, holidays, and every excuse to celebrate the people she loved. Even when the family agreed, "We're not exchanging gifts this year," everyone secretly knew Candy would arrive with a carload full because giving brought her more joy than receiving ever could. 

Family was her greatest earthly treasure. She loved her husband, Stephen, whom she married in 1992. Their marriage was a beautiful testimony of love, friendship, and faith. Together they built a home where everyone felt welcome. In fact, Candy loved hosting family and friends so much that she and Stephen added an extra room to their home simply to make space for more people around the table. 

She was a devoted mother to her son, Dominique, and the best Gigi to Dakota and Kobe. Her love extended far beyond blood relatives - embracing nieces, nephews, neighbors, church families, and anyone who crossed her path needing encouragement. Every child who entered her life found another cheerleader. 

Her faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation upon which everything else was built. Candy graduated from New Hope Bible College. She loved studying God's Word and found great joy in teaching others. One of her favorite weekly traditions was participating in family Bible study that began during COVID. What started as a way to stay connected became one of the greatest joys of her life. Week after week she anticipated gathering with those she loved to study Scripture, pray, and encourage one another. 

At Piney Grove Baptist Church, Candy faithfully served as a Deaconess, member of the Community Outreach Ministry, Food Pantry volunteer, Children's Church, Vacation Bible School teacher, and the Daughters of Hannah Women's Ministry. She saw service as another way to love Christ by loving His people. 

Candy was preceded in death by her father, Wille; and her brothers, Stephen and Kevin Speaks.

She leaves behind her sweetheart, Stephen; her son, Dominique; her grandchildren, Dakota and Kobe; her mother, Dorothy; her sister, Kendra (Don); her beloved in-laws, aunts, uncles, and cousins; cherished nieces and nephews, whom she loved beyond measure; treasured church family and friends; and countless others whose lives were changed because Candy made room for them. 

Though her family grieves deeply, they rejoice knowing that the woman who spent her entire life pointing others toward Christ now hears the words she longed to hear: 

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC VIEWING

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Friday, July 3, 2026 at Piney Grove Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Piney Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Friday at the Church.