Candace Ruth Jarrett Leggett

Candace Ruth Jarrett Leggett fondly known as “Candy”, daughter of the late Harry W. Jarrett Jr. and Sally Modelle Bookout Jarrett, was born in Charleston, SC on May 1, 1948. She entered eternal rest on Sunday, February 25, 2024, surrounded by family in Columbia, SC.

Candy received her early education in the Charleston area which were Sullivan’s Island and Mt. Pleasant school system and graduated from Dentsville High School Class of 1967 of Columbia, SC. Later in life she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Business Management from the University of South Carolina and her master’s in technology management from Lesley University.

Candy worked different occupations which include working for Richland District 2 Student School Bus Driver from 1966 – 1967. A Pharmaceutical Transcriber for McKesson & Robbin’s from 1967 – 1968. Then, in Lawton Oklahoma she worked for Earl Drug Store she was the bookkeeper and accountant from 1968 – 1969. She started her journey working as a bank teller for SCN (Columbia and Sumter) in 1969 – 1977. She then transitioned to NBSC/SYNOVUS in 1977 as a teller, senior teller and eventually promoted to Regional Human Resources Manager and retired in 2001. She then tried a new venture in working for the Gingerbread House as an accountant from 2002 – 2005. At the end of her career adventures, she worked for Sumter School District 17 as an ISS Supervisor, accountant, and cheerleading assistant coach until her retirement in June 2022.

Candy is our purple angel in the sky and was an inspiration to countless people. You were the light of the party, the giggles, the sass, you were the character everyone loved. She was always there for anyone who needed her. She was the type of person that would open her house up to anyone and her hospitality made everyone feel important and needed. She was the most loving, compassionate, understanding, family-oriented woman. There was not a single thing that her girls wanted for that she would not make it possible for them to get. In her earlier years she loved to cross stitch and taught her daughters how to also. She made things for family and friends. She started to crochet blankets and other things for fun. She eventually learned how to smock dresses for her girls. There was nothing she would not do for her girls. She would put them in pageants in their younger years and loved rallying for each of them. Made sure they had the best. Later in life, she decided to go back to school and get her college degrees. She worked tirelessly for years carrying out her goal to receive her BA and Master’s degrees. While staying busy with school and work she also became guardian ad litem which she eventually had to stop as it was emotionally draining for her.

The family bought a yearly time share at North Myrtle Beach in June. That was the most beloved place momma wanted to be. She loved the ocean and beach probably because of her earlier years at Sullivan’s Island. She also loved to sell things such as Mary Kay Cosmetics, Tupperware, and Scentsy and loved to host parties for each.

When her girls were starting their own paths, she was delighted by having grandchildren. She loved her grandchildren more than life itself which includes Karrington Leggett, Justin Leggett, Sidney Leggett, Adriana Mullen, and Adalynn Mullen. Any one of them would come into a room, and she would light up the room. She would make sure they had the best life also. She would put them in karate, dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading squads. She was a cheerleader for each of her grands.

She changed professions later and went to work at Crestwood High School and helped the cheerleading squad. She loved that job and was very fulfilling. Going to the games and the proms for high school brought her back to her earlier years. She made so many friends that she cherished so much. After leaving Crestwood High School, she went to Ebenezer Middle School to finish her career path. Right before her passing she was introduced to Chayah Hawk as her first great grandbaby. She fell right in love with her, and she was the apple of her eye.

Candy leaves to cherish her memories daughters Ashley Leggett of Columbia, SC and Kristina (Charlie) Mullen of Sumter, SC, as well as siblings Jaclyn Jarrett Macaulay (Earl Macaulay) of Columbia, SC, Marsha J. Reynolds of St Mary’s County, MD, Steve E Jarrett (Mary Jarrett) of Columbia, SC, and Harry W. Jarrett III (Yan Wen Jarrett) of Wilmington, NC. She will be missed especially by her five grandchildren, who affectionately referred to her as “Nana,” and her great-grandchild.