Tributes

Candace Elizabeth Gaynor blessed this earth on May 30, 1980 born in Harlem, New York at Harlem Hospital. She made her peaceful transition on April 10, 2026, in Durham, North Carolina. Candace spent her early years in New York and then moved to Durham, North Carolina where she attended Durham Public Schools and graduated from Hillside High School, she then attended Durham Technical Community College and Beaufort Technical Community College. Candace loved working in retail because she loved helping people and it also allowed her to exhibit her creative side. She enjoyed being around her co-workers because people brought her joy. She extended herself to others, whether they were words of encouragement or silly memes. Candace believed in representing her beloved communities. She represented North Carolina with her ECU and Duke gear and beach memorabilia. Even though she lived most of her life in North Carolina, she never stopped loving New York. She would wear her Knicks or Yankees caps and Harlem T-shirts wherever she went. One of her last trips to New York included going to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, which was something she always wanted to do. Candace loved food. Whether it was a Rodeo burger, New York style pizza, Jimbo’s, or a Carvel ice cream cake (just because) she was going to enjoy it and herself. This was who she was. Candace loved to be around family: whether it was a family trip, going to church or just sitting around eating and watching sports. She especially loved being with her grandmother: Serena. When she was younger, they were inseparable. They went everywhere together: church, political events, meetings, you name it. They had a loving bond that could not be broken even when Serena passed. Music was important to her: she loved music since she was young. She had an ear for music; she could hear a song and know the original version of it even if the original version was before her time. Whether it was R&B, hip-hop, old school gospel, or jazz; she embraced the experience. She had an alter ego of being a famous deejay and would sell or give away her mixtapes. Candace was blessed to have gone to concerts of her favorite artists as well as artists that were unknown to her, it did not matter: it was music. Candace enjoyed life. Always smiling even at times when you wondered how she continued to smile. She was concerned about people and wanted them to know that they mattered. The origin of “Candace” is not a name but a title for a strong queen: this meaning complements her personality and how she lived her life. Independence was important to her: it brought her joy. She cherished being able to come and go whenever she wanted. Candace lived life her way, she made her own decisions and lived by them. Candace was preceded in death by her grandparents, Serena Hill Gaynor and Bravet Gaynor; uncles, Morris Gaynor and Gregory Gaynor. Candace is survived by her mother, Sharon Gaynor Johnson and father, Brook Johnson; she leaves behind many loving cousins, family members, Godmothers, and friends, including her extended Johnson family. Candace loved God and said they talked to each other. She knew she was God’s child and that she was a special person. Recently she followed the Buddhist monks “Walk for Peace” and went to see them on their journey. She began to start her day with this phrase that can help along life’s journey: “Today is going to be my peaceful day!”

Tributes

Ms. Candace Elizabeth Gaynor

May 30, 1980 - April 10, 2026