Kandy Renee Boleman

Kandy Renee Boleman, born on July 29, 1957, passed away on February 14, 2026, at the age of 68. Kandy shared her childhood with her twin sister, Karen. In both appearance and spirit the two were one, leaving little doubt of their special bond.

Their father, Joseph, passed away while the girls were young. Marked with pride and a fierce independence, Kandy’s mother, Sarah, served as both provider and devoted caretaker. Under her guidance, the twins grew into beautiful young women whose childhood sharing of clothes and dolls blossomed into a shared love of art. Both Kandy and Karen dreamed of nurturing their natural talent into artistic careers. Life, however, had other plans.

In her early twenties, Karen was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. During surgery to remove it, she suffered a stroke that left her with significant disabilities. Kandy, alongside her sisters Joanne and Pat and their mother Sarah, lovingly cared for and supported Karen as she worked to regain her artistic abilities.

Around this time, Kandy married her first love, David Collison. Soon after, she welcomed her first son, Cain. During these years, Kandy found acceptance, companionship, and enduring affection in David’s mother, Betty Collison, the fun-loving and compassionate matriarch of the Collison family. Even after the marriage ended, the bond between Betty and Kandy remained strong until Betty’s passing.

Following her mother’s example of independence, Kandy bravely stepped into an uncertain future as a single mother and sole provider. Later, she reconnected with longtime friend Randy Boleman. Their friendship grew into love, and the two were married. Together they built a life grounded in devotion and stability. After several years, Kandy welcomed her second son, Joseph “Joe” Boleman, completing her family.

With a loving partner and family beside her, Kandy was free to explore her creative spirit in new ways. While her early years were marked by painting and visual art, her artistic gifts evolved into needlework, quilting, cooking, gardening, and handmade crafts that brought joy to those around her.

Kandy’s compassion extended beyond her art. She had a deep love for animals, caring for her dogs, cats, birds, and even a chipmunk with the same tenderness she gave her family. Her nurturing spirit was constant. She cared devotedly for her sister Karen, her mother Sarah, and her mother-in-law, Jackie Boleman, in their final days, offering comfort and steadfast presence.

She is survived by her husband, Randy Boleman; her sons, Cain Collison and his wife, Stephanie Collison, and Joseph “Joe” Boleman; her granddaughters, Emmaleth and Lux Collison; and her sisters, Pat Ramsey and JoAnn Cason.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 18, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Additional visitation will be held Thursday morning prior to the service. A funeral service will be held Thursday, February 19, at 1:00 p.m., all at Chattanooga Funeral Home in East Ridge.

Kandy passed peacefully, surrounded by warmth and love.

Please share your thoughts and memories online with the family at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel has been entrusted with her arrangements.