She was born in Springfield, Illinois on November 28, 1949 the daughter of William D. “Fat” and Annie Rae (Paisley) Parker. She graduated from Virden High School in 1967. Candy and Jane Stricklin were longtime companions and married in 2019. They recently celebrated their 34th anniversary.
Surviving are her spouse Jane Stricklin; her four children, Ayesha (fiancé Tim Hemstock) Parker of Springfield, David Parker of Lincoln, NE, Dan Parker of Denver, CO, and CeCe Parker of Springfield; aunt, Carol Paisley of Virden, IL; best friend and fishing buddy, Paula Harris; cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and a host of friends. Her parents preceded her in death.
Candy worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation, Sojourn Women’s Center, U. S. Postal Service, Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, SPARC, Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, and retired from the City of Springfield as an Environmental Health Inspector in 2001.
She was a member of Chatham United Methodist Church and volunteered to help at many youth events. Candy was a champion for children. She was a foster parent and Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). A believer in equal rights for all, her love and acceptance of others was unconditional. Candy was an avid Cubs fan who never met a stranger; she spread joy and laughter with the telling of her mostly true stories. She loved her family and devoted her life to them.
Cremation Rites will be accorded by the Bisch Crematory prior to services.
A memorial gathering will be held on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at Chatham United Methodist Church, Chatham, IL with a funeral service at 3:00pm and visitation from 4:00pm until 5:30pm. Rev. Miriam Snider will officiate assisted by Rev. Keith Anderson. COVID-19 CDC guidelines will be followed requiring face coverings, social distancing, and a limited number of guests at one time. Service will be live streamed at http: // www. YouTube. com /c/Chatham United MethodistIL
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to Chatham United Methodist Church, 104 W. Chestnut, Chatham, IL 62629 or Coalition of Rainbow Alliances (CORAL), P.O. Box 9721, Springfield, IL 62791.
Please visit the “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West, 217-544-5424.
