Candice Jean Earley, fondly known as Candi, made her grand entrance into the world on a sunny day in August, specifically August 18, 1950, at the esteemed Fort Hood, Texas, where her proud parents, Harold E. Earley, a renowned and respected Colonel in the United States Army Judge Advocate General (JAG Corps),and Vera Jean (nee Daily) Earley, beamed with joy as they welcomed their brand new baby girl, a precious bundle of love and innocence, into their loving family.
Candice's arrival into the world was promptly followed by a significant life change for her father, as he received a military transfer to Germany, a country with a rich cultural heritage and history. The family, including Candice, relocated to this foreign land, where they temporarily resided for a period of time.
Candi's early life was characterized by a profound sense of family unity, as she spent her formative years surrounded by her two older brothers, Jack and Mike, in the quaint and endearing town of Lawton, Oklahoma, which would later become an integral part of her identity and a place she would always hold dear to her heart.
As a young student, Candi was afforded the opportunity to attend the prestigious Lawton Public Schools, where she excelled academically and discovered a profound passion for the performing arts, laying the foundation for a lifelong love affair with music, dance, and drama.
Candi's early life was marked by a strong sense of family, as she grew up alongside her two older brothers, Jack and Mike, in the charming town of Lawton, Oklahoma, which would eventually become her beloved hometown.
As a young student, Candi had the privilege of attending the esteemed Lawton Public Schools, where she thrived academically and developed a passion for the performing arts.
Candi's academic prowess culminated in her proud graduation from Lawton High School in 1968, a remarkable achievement that distinguished her as an honor student. This impressive academic feat was further complemented by her significant involvement in the school's theater and arts programs, which played a pivotal role in shaping her high school experience. Through her dedication to voice lessons, Candi skillfully honed her talents, ultimately developing a remarkable 4-Octave coloratura soprano voice that showcased her remarkable vocal abilities.
Candi's remarkable talent for the performing arts was evident from the very beginning, as she took center stage in her school's theatrical productions and musicals, captivating audiences with her extraordinary vocal range and remarkable versatility. This early introduction to the world of music and the arts served as a springboard for her lifelong dedication to excellence, propelling her towards a future filled with creative expression and artistic mastery.
Candi's academic trajectory culminated in a momentous occasion during her senior year of high school, as she was distinguished with the esteemed title of Miss Lawton 1968, a coveted recognition that afforded her the privilege of serving as the official ambassador for the city in the illustrious Miss Oklahoma pageant.
In this esteemed competition, Candi demonstrated her remarkable abilities and captivating stage presence by emerging as the first runner-up, a truly outstanding achievement that underscored her exceptional talent, poise, and charisma.
Candi's remarkable achievement served as a catalyst for a profound transformation in her trajectory, propelling her towards a new chapter of academic exploration and intellectual discovery at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.
As she embarked on her journey, her innate yearning for the spotlight gradually intensified, ultimately leading her to make a bold decision to relocate to the culturally rich and vibrant city of San Francisco, where she set her sights on forging a career in the performing arts, fueled by an unwavering passion to share her remarkable talents with the world, and to make a lasting impression on the stage.
Candi's remarkable and illustrious career in the entertainment industry, marked by numerous milestones and accomplishments, began to take shape in the year 1969, a pivotal moment in her professional journey, when she was fortunate enough to secure a coveted spot in the esteemed and highly acclaimed cast of the groundbreaking and revolutionary musical Hair, a production that would go on to leave a lasting impact on the world of entertainment and beyond.
Notwithstanding the passage of a relatively brief period of time, she was subsequently distinguished with the prestigious privilege of being chosen to portray the pivotal character of "Shelia", a role that would subsequently prove instrumental in shaping the trajectory of her early career as a performer.
Candi, a distinguished individual and proud member of a specific cultural or social group, commonly referred to as the "Tribe," embarked upon a remarkable journey, characterized by a series of noteworthy achievements within the realm of the performing arts.
This extraordinary accomplishment was swiftly succeeded by a remarkable chance to become a part of the esteemed cast of the enduring ABC Television daytime soap opera, All My Children, where she would have the privilege of portraying the cherished character "Donna Tyler Beck" for an impressive duration of 18 years, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences and cementing her position as a beloved figure in the world of television.
Candi's illustrious career trajectory during her tenure on the esteemed soap opera All My Children was characterized by her unwavering presence on the illustrious Broadway stage, where she had the distinction of assuming the coveted lead role of Sandy in the iconic musical production of Grease, a performance that was merely the beginning of her impressive array of accomplishments.
Candi's remarkable career in the entertainment industry, marked by numerous triumphs and milestones, reached its eventual conclusion as she made the profound and far-reaching decision to step away from the glare of the spotlight and relocate to the charming and idyllic town of El Dorado, Arkansas.
It was amidst this period of transition, replete with uncertainty and change, that she had the serendipitous opportunity to cross paths with Robert C. Nolan, a chance encounter that would ultimately blossom into a lifelong partnership.
Together, they would build a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure, as they navigated the ups and downs of life side by side, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.
Their journey would take them on a winding path, marked by moments of joy and sorrow, but ultimately, it would be a testament to the power of love and the human spirit's capacity for growth, renewal, and transformation.
Candi's life was marked by a profound sense of sadness and loss, as she was taken from this world far too soon, on January 31, 2019, at the relatively young age of 68, following a prolonged and grueling struggle against the debilitating and devastating effects of Multiple Systems Atrophy, a neurological disorder that ravaged her body and soul with its relentless progression.
