Candace Renae Watkins-Tyler

It is not how long one lives that determines one’s worth, but what one does with the life that God grants to one; that is the measuring rod, ‘The Lily of the Valley.’ On February 23, 2018, God picked from His garden one of his most precious flowers, Candace Renae Watkins-Tyler. Surrounded by an abundance of love, she slipped happily away to answer His heavenly call. Born in Baltimore, MD, on March 25, 1970, Candace was born to then Sondra E. Jones and Lawrence Outlaw. At an early age Candace was adopted by her step-father, Norman P. Watkins, who loved and cared for her as if she were his own. Candi, as she was affectionately called, grew up in the Episcopal Church of the Holy Covenant (formerly St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church). She came to know and accepted our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at a very early age and was baptized and confirmed within the Church. While growing up in the church Candi was very active in many youth activities and served in various ministries. Candi was educated in the Baltimore City Public Schools, graduating in 1988 from Baltimore Polytechnic High School. She continued her education at Morgan State University, earning a B.S. degree in Biology. While attending Morgan Candi pledged to the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Through both schools, Candi made many friends who became family and formed sisterhoods and friendships that lasted throughout her lifetime. After obtaining her degree, Candi pursued her passion for helping others and obtained her Registered Nursing (RN) degree from Catonsville Community College. As an RN Candi worked tirelessly at various hospitals including Northwest Hospital, Sinai, Union Memorial, Maryland General and University of Maryland. Doctors, nurses, and patients always knew that when Candi was around they would receive the best service always provided with a beautiful smile. Candi was blessed with two children, Nicholas Angel Greene, whom she shared with Steven D. Greene and Mira Marcia Tyler, whom she shared with her former spouse, Bruce E. Tyler. Her children and family were the light of her life and there was no length to which she wouldn’t go for them. Candi possessed a contagious smile which lit up any room, and an entertaining sense of humor. Music, dancing, art, traveling, and food were some of her many passions in life. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and the hearts of many. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, love, and unending kindness will never be forgotten. Most of all, she will be remembered for her happiness, whether it be for welcoming any one of her children’s friends as her own, giving unforgettable advice, remembering good times with her brother and sister, or just cuddling up to watch a movie with the family, her contagious happiness will live on forever until we meet her again. Candi leaves to cherish fond memories her loving parents, Sondra and Norman Watkins; her beloved children -son Nicholas A. Greene; daughter Mira M. Tyler; brother Aaron Watkins; sisters Erica Paige, Darlene Collins and Rahema Outlaw; brother in law Mark Paige; nieces Autumn Paige and Kayla Punnet; nephews Ashton Kendall, Spencer Collins and Nahjiq Punnet; God mothers Laura Skinner and Annie Gordon; aunts Maureen Craig, Rose Ann Jones, Joyce Gibbs, Yvette Livingston, and Karen Outlaw; uncles LeRoy Jones, William Watkins, and Gordon Outlaw; cousins David S., Alexis, Brian, Jahmal, Breck, Shantel, David C., Nikki and Jason; and a host of other cousins, family, and friends. Candi was predeceased by her birth father Lawrence Outlaw.8 Please help as we try to support her beautiful children. All donations in love for the college tuitions for Nick and Mira can be made at http://gf.me/u/g2yd79.

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Candace Renae Watkins-Tyler

March 25, 1970 - February 23, 2018