Candace June Toombs

Candace June Toombs, or Candy, peacefully passed away in Ocean Springs, MS, on August 12, 2026, while bravely battling cancer. She was born December 21, 1946, in Columbus, OH. She was preceded in death by her parents, McKim Ellis Barnes (1920-1979) and June DeVore Barnes (1926-1996). Candy was the beloved mother of Julie Deann Toombs (1970-2018). She is survived by her loving and dedicated husband James Daniel Toombs; son James McKim Toombs and daughter Kimberly Danyelle Harlan; sisters Connie Jean McCarty, Cindy Jane Baden, and Ellen McKim Painter; granddaughters Cassidy June Velasquez and Samantha Rylie Ross; grandsons Ellis Deane Toombs, Joshua Blackmon, and Jude Alexander Harlan. Candy also had one great-granddaughter, Sadie Addison Toombs. Candy was known to be authentic, fun, and opinionated. She wore her heart on her sleeve and everyone loved her for that. Her family was her main focus, and she worried over and cared for them until the end when she was no longer able. Until her illness, Candy was extremely involved and instrumental in the upbringing of her grandchildren and great-grandchild. Candy loved to travel and had been to dozens of countries including Galapagos Islands, Italy, Spain, Fiji, and most of the Caribbean Islands. Many of her trips were as co-owner of Sea Urchins Dive Shop, a scuba business in Hattiesburg, MS, that she and her husband ran for more than 35 years. Candy also loved cooking, bird watching, and dogs. She owned and cared for nearly a dozen dogs in her adult life and all her dogs lived their best lives under Candy’s care. Candy will be desperately missed by all those that she’s left behind. Our hearts are so broken by this tragic loss. She was one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed. Visitation will be held at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, MS, on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. A short visitation will also be held at Grace Covenant Church in Ellisville, MS, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 1-2 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. officiated by pastor Glenn McElhenney. The funeral procession will leave Grace Covenant around 3:15 p.m. going to Hickory Grove Cemetery across from Watkins Stadium in Laurel, MS. To view or sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Candace June Toombs

December 21, 1946 - August 12, 2026