Candace C. Smith, age 67, passed away April 12, 2026, after a fearless and hope-filled battle with cancer. Candy is now joyfully reunited with her husband, J. David Smith, who passed away November 27, 2014. She was the daughter of the late C M. "Cass" and Mary Lou Combs. In addition to her husband and parents, she is also pre-deceased by a brother, Lucian Combs. Candy was a graduate of Furman University and taught elementary music in McAllen CISD, and McAllen ISD in Texas, retiring as beloved music educator from Dr. Carlos E. Casteñada Elementary School in 2015.

Surviving are siblings, Lawrence (Randi) Combs and Melanie Combs. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Diane Delaine and Carol Ambrose (Joel), and special aunts, Joan Okura and Betty Combs. A host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive to hold dear the memory of an extraordinary human whose capacity for joy, kindness, and love touched each soul who met her.

Candy loved her mountains and could often be heard saying, as she gestured toward them, "Beautiful. Wish you were here" or "I am so lucky. I get to look at this for the rest of my life".
Per her request, there will be no formal funeral service. Interment will be private.

The family expresses their sincere appreciation to Dr. Adam Burrell and staff, Hope Women's Cancer Center, in particular Dr. Timothy Vanderkwaak, and Four Seasons Hospice. Memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 108 Macon Center Drive, Franklin NC 28734.

"End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it... White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.” J.R.R. Tolkien

"Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room.....All is well." Henry Scott-Holland

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.