Candace (Lewis) Thaxton

Candace Thaxton passed away on April 9, 2022 in the comfort of her home.  She was 96 years old.  Born in Dayton, OH to the late Elizabeth Mae (Edwards) Lewis and John F. Lewis, she spent most of her young life in Jackson County, in Southeastern Ohio.

She was a graduate of Holzer Hospital School of Nursing, having spent affiliation time at Cincinnati General Hospital and as a cadet corps nurse at Hines Veterans Hospital in Illinois during and immediately following WWII.

Following graduation, she remained at Holzer Hospital in Gallipolis, OH for five years, working in the combined Emergency and Outpatient Departments.  Later, she worked at The University of Michigan Hospital, Robinson Memorial Hospital and Kent Visiting Nurses Association.  Her last 18 years, prior to retirement, were spent with Kent City Schools.

In 1953, she married Vernon Thaxton, who was an employee with Davey Tree Company.  Later that year, several Davey couples formed a supper club.  For over 50 years, these couples met monthly in each others homes, enjoying good food and wonderful fellowship.

Vernon passed away in 1987.  Her brothers, John, Daniel and Edward Lewis; her sister LeeAnna Willis and her parents, also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children, Frederick (Christine) Thaxton and Sara Giuliano; grandchildren, Natalie (Albert) Giuliano, Elizabeth Giuliano (Andy Sayers), Anthony Giuliano, Jacob (Alix) Thaxton, Nicholas (Erin) Thaxton and Hannah Thaxton; great grandchildren, Lydia, Dylan, Harvey, Finn and Owen and many nieces and nephews.

Candace has been a member of the United Methodist Church of Kent for over 60 years, having served in numerous ways.  She was a member of the Mary Reed Circle and United Methodist Women.  In the past, she had been a volunteer at the Clothing Center, Kent Social Services Hot Meals Program, Kent Historical Society and the Compact Adult Basic Literacy Program.  She enjoyed reading, travels with family and friends and baking.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The United Methodist Church of Kent, Crossroads Hospice Program or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 11:00AM at the United Methodist Church of Kent, 1435 E. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.  Burial will follow at Standing Rock Cemetery.