Candice Julia Vick

ELLENBORO- Candice Julia Vick, born on Wednesday, April 28, 2004, passed away far too soon on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the age of 21. Her departure was sudden and tragic, the result of a singular car crash in Beulaville, NC. Candice was a unique soul, remembered most for her quick wit and even quicker comebacks; the epitome of humor, creativity, and innocence.

A lifelong resident of Ellenboro, NC, she graduated with honors from East Rutherford High School, class of 2022, where she was a member of the band. She played the tuba for the marching band and the piano in the jazz band. Her passion for music continued as she accepted a music scholarship to attend the University of Mount Olive, where she pursued an English Major. During her time at UMO, where she was still a student, she worked as a library assistant alongside her dear friend. She enjoyed it so much, she volunteered more hours than she could credit towards her work-study.

An avid lover of plants and succulents, her room was adorned with them. Her love of classical music and her talented piano skills were cherished by all who had the pleasure of listening. Each night, she played “For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow” to her mother as her bedtime song.

Candice was a poetic writer, having also been a published author. She found great joy in a variety of books- classic literature, her red Bible, journaling, and had a deep appreciation for world history. Candice was a giver-her love language was giving small gifts she knew you'd like or simply made her think of you. She was also known for her delight in designing cards digitally, printing and then mailing them to people, because she herself LOVED receiving mail.

She was preceded in death by her beloved dog-daughter, Gypsy Daisy, the only kind of child she ever wanted, and her grandfather, Pepé, Rick Vick.

Left to navigate life without her, she leaves behind a family who loves her immensely: her “big mama” and best friend, Carrie Tiller with whom she shared an extraordinary bond; as well as her father figure and emergency contact after dark, Brad Miller; although the younger sibling, she was definitely the little-big sister to Madison Durgan (Bubba) who often played the role of big sister despite birth order; brother of the heart, Tony Miller; the one she called “Aunt Katie” Tiller (Howie) who she was just alike- bless her mother for putting up with them both is all we can say; Uncle, Matt Tiller (Lisa) who she confided in often and hiked with along different mountains and Uncle, Tim Vick who was a source of friendship through the years.

She also leaves behind her grandparents: Mimi, Sheila Levy, who was her travel buddy to explore new places, often ending in unexpected adventures; the one who helped navigate her Christian journey and helped her academically whenever needed, Granddad, David Tiller; Nana, Debi Tiller, who cooked all her favorite foods and spoiled her when she'd come to visit; Memaé, Diane Horton, who was a constant source of nurture, and step-grandfather, Kenneth Levy, better known as "Our Kenny."

The cousins she loved and looked up to her include: JD, Celeste, Mena, Jacob, Star, and a special “four-legged” cousin whom Candice spoiled with many treats, Memaw Grace. Candice shared a love for her large, yet close, work, school, and extended family members.

When you think of Candice, you can’t help but think of Squishmallows, her plants, “Ellie”, and, for whatever reason, her collection and use of 1001+ sticky notes. She was funny and didn’t even know it.

She was a great listener, always making you feel better when you were sad, and was the least judgmental person; she met you where you were, accepted you for all you were and all you weren’t. She possessed a wisdom beyond her years, with a different outlook on life, living authentically and unapologetically as herself.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home in Shelby, NC. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Spencer Baptist Church in Spindale, NC, officiated by Rev. Bruce Caldwell, with music led by one of her favorite pianists, JC (Jay Seagrave).

To honor Candice's wishes, as expressed at 14 years old, please wear white to her services, as she will be in Heaven. Since we can never give her a white wedding, we will honor her wishes with a white funeral.

Plants, succulents, and flowers are welcome and appreciated. In lieu of those, donations can be made to the Rutherford County Humane Society at https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/donate/ or directly to her family to help with unexpected expenses at https://gofund.me/157eb8094.

We will forever miss our Baby Love, Candi-pants, Honk, “Veronica Girl.” Candice was also dubbed "Little Margaret" after her Granny, Margaret Tiller. We will greatly miss her distinct laugh and listening to her play the piano, as well as her undeniably squishy cheeks that were pinched all her life.

Though her journey on Earth was brief, her impact was profound. As Aunt Katie always told her, “Don’t cry for the ones who shag out early, for they are the lucky ones.” Until we meet again, we take solace in knowing she is now with Jesus, living among the angels.

To express condolences, share a memory or story, please do so on her tribute wall.

Coastal Cremations and Funeral Care - Jacksonville and Clay-Barnette Funeral Home-Shelby are serving the family.