Mary Ellen Essic Candillo

Published 10:36 am Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Mrs. Mary Ellen Essic Candillo, 69, of Winston-Salem, died on Saturday, May 13, 2017.

She was born July 14, 1947, in Winston-Salem to Lelia Neal Essic and the late James Edward Essic Sr. She spent her childhood in Davie County and moved back to Winston-Salem in 1970. She graduated from Appalachian State University in 1970, and taught school in Davidson and Forsyth counties. She loved teaching children and watching them bloom. She filled their heads with wonder and magic and loved them abundantly. She had an exuberant personality, defined by humor, curiosity, and concern for others.  She warmed the room with laughter and her smile.

Survivors: her husband of 46 years, John Clarence Candillo of the home; a son, John Joseph Candillo of Jefferson; her mother, Lelia Neal Essic; 2 brothers and sisters-in-law, James Edward “Chip” and Judith B. Essic and David Neal and Brenda Forrest Essic, all of Farmington; a sister, Anne Essic Barnes and husband Brooks Miles Barnes of Onancock, Va.; nieces, Rebecca Essic Phillips (Lawson) and Elizabeth Barnes; nephews, Jefferson Essic (Karen), David Neal Essic Jr. (Tammy), Forrest Essic (Heather) and Edward Barnes; grandnieces, Sadie Essic, Eliza Essic and Mary Phillips; and grandnephews, Thomas Essic, Elliott Essic and Wyatt Phillips; special “sister,” Martha Ann Essic Williard of Gastonia; and former students, co-workers, cousins, neighbors and friends.

A celebration of life will be conducted at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 20 at Ardmore Baptist Church, 501 Miller St., Winston-Salem, with Dr. Don Gordon and the Rev. Paul Mullen officiating. A private burial will be in Farmington Community Cemetery.     

Memorials: James E. and Lelia N. Essic Scholarship Fund, c/o Davie Community Foundation, PO Box 546, Mocksville.

Condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.