Gainesville - Candice Mae "Candy" Mercer passed away on March 26, 2026, at the age of 80. She was born on September 29, 1945, in Los Angeles, California.

To know Candy was to know someone truly larger than life. A paragraph could never fully capture her spirit—she was a force, a "spitfire" in the best sense of the word, full of passion, talent, and undeniable presence. Candy never met a stranger and was always willing to jump in and help anyone in need, no matter the situation. Her generosity and bold, caring nature left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.

Gifted with a remarkable 3 1/2 octave vocal range, Candy loved to sing and brought joy to those around her through her voice.

In her younger years, Candy was not only a talented hairstylist in San Jose, California, but also worked as a competition hair model. Through this work, she had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with world-renowned hairstylists—an experience that reflected both her beauty and her vibrant, confident personality.

Candy was perhaps best known for her deep love and dedication to animals, especially her exceptional work with World Class Quarter Horses and Border Collies. She owned World Champion Cutting Horse, War Bond Leo, and spent many years breeding and raising his offspring, leaving a lasting mark in the industry. Her connection to animals was something rare and special, built on instinct, care, and respect.

In her later years, Candy found peace and contentment in the simple beauty of everyday life—walking the creek bed on her property and caring for her beloved border collies, who were never far from her side.

Candy's legacy is one of strength, passion, and individuality. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Wilma Welcome (Wofford) Hitchcock; Her father, Charles Myers Hitchcock; and her brother, John Hitchcock.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her daughter, Lacy Cronkhite of Gainesville; her son, Kirk Mercer of Gainesville; her sister, Tracy Lynch of Ardmore, Oklahoma; Five grandchildren, Christa Jarriel and husband Matt , Caleb Mercer and wife Holly, Alacia Hawk and husband Mitch; Jakob Cronkhite and wife Kayleigh, Alaina Pearman and husband Joshua; as well as twelve great-grandchildren.

A memorial service for Candy will be April 18th, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at the Hillcrest Church of Christ, 1712 O'Neal Street, Gainesville, Texas 76240.

The church will be providing food and refreshments for those who would like to stay and visit after the service.