06/18/2026
Candice Horrell Lee was born on April 16, 1943, in Culver City, California, to Betty Sherman and John Horrell. After attending high school in Manteca, California, she earned her nursing degree and began a lifelong career devoted to caring for others.
While working as a nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, California, Candice met the man who would become her husband. One day, John Lee arrived in his Army paratrooper uniform to say goodbye to his dying mother, who was under Candice's care. Family lore holds that John's mother told him he needed to marry her nurse, Candice. He followed her advice, and just nine days later, on November 3, 1963, John and Candice were married.
Candice continued her work at St. Joseph Hospital while John completed his military service. Even after welcoming three children, she worked night shifts so that her husband could attend engineering school at Humboldt State University. Her dedication and sacrifice helped make his education possible. After John graduated, the family relocated to El Paso, Texas, in 1974.
Candice and John shared a deep faith as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, they traveled extensively throughout the western United States, visiting temples and strengthening the bonds of their faith. They also shared a love of gardening and spent time managing an apple orchard owned by the Church in the mountains of New Mexico.
Known affectionately as "Candi" to many, Candice and John devoted their lives to serving others. Their home was always open to family, friends, and anyone in need. They loved hosting gatherings and celebrations, creating an atmosphere where everyone felt welcome, valued, and at ease. Candice's creativity shone in many ways. She often sewed her own clothing, organized activities and games for children, and brought joy and imagination to those around her.
In the late 1980s, they moved to Presidio, Texas, where John would eventually retire. During this time, Candice put her medical training and compassionate nature to work by becoming an EMT. Caring for others came naturally to her, making the role a perfect fit.
Following John's retirement, the couple relocated to Del Rio, Texas. After John's passing in 2007, Candice remained active in her community and continued her lifelong commitment to service. She volunteered extensively with the American Red Cross and became deeply involved with the Val Verde County Library, where she served on the Board of Trustees. She later joined the Friends of the Val Verde County Library and eventually became its president, helping organize fundraisers and support programs that benefited both the library and the community.
Candice also embraced her love of storytelling and writing by joining a local writers' group. Together, the group published an anthology titled The Older I Get, the Better I Was, allowing her to share her experiences, humor, and perspective with others.
Family was at the center of Candice's life. Along with raising their three children, Candice and John opened their home to numerous foster children during their years in El Paso. Their kindness, guidance, and unconditional love left a lasting impact on many young lives. Even decades later, many of those foster children remained close to the family and continued to think of Candy and John as parents and mentors.
Candice is survived by her eldest daughter, Toni Eubanks, and Toni's husband, Dave, along with Toni's children, Chris, Sean, and Shannon. One of Candice's greatest joys during her final months was learning that Shannon would become a mother at the end of the summer. The knowledge that she would soon be a great-grandmother filled her with excitement and happiness.
She is also survived by her daughter, Kimberly, who followed in her mother's footsteps by entering the nursing profession and received recognition for a published poem honoring nurses and the nursing profession.
Candice is further survived by her sister, Melody Todd; Melody's husband, Mike; and their four children. The youngest, Abbie, shared a particularly close bond with Candice and lived with her for the last fourteen years of her life.
Candice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, best friend, and the love of her life, John Lee. Together they endured life's greatest sorrows and joys, including the heartbreaking loss of their youngest daughter, Erica, who passed away at the age of twenty-one. Candice also carried the grief of losing her granddaughter, Monique, the infant daughter of Kimberly, who passed away at only six months old. While these losses left an enduring mark on her heart, they also deepened her compassion and strengthened her appreciation for the preciousness of family, faith, and time spent together.
Candice's legacy is one of faith, service, generosity, creativity, and unwavering love. Whether caring for patients, supporting her family, mentoring foster children, volunteering in her community, or simply welcoming others into her home, she touched countless lives. She will be remembered for her compassionate heart, warm hospitality, steadfast faith, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel loved, valued, and at home.
Though she will be deeply missed, her example and the love she shared will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1315 Kings Way, Del Rio, Texas.
In honor of Candice's lifelong commitment to education, literacy, and community service, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, charitable donations be made to the Friends of the Val Verde County Library, P.O. Box 1551, Del Rio, Texas 78841. Through her years of service and leadership with the organization, Candice helped support programs and opportunities that enriched the lives of countless members of the community. The family believes she would be honored by contributions that continue this work and reflect her enduring spirit of generosity and service.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Homes, Del Rio, Texas, (830) 778-2020. Serving families with dignity and respect.
