Candace Skinner

Candace Nelson Skinner, known as Candy by friends, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, July 5, 2026. She was 80 years old. Born in 1946 to Carl August Nelson and Rosa Belle Hinkle Nelson, she grew up on their family farm near Culver, Kansas.

Candy was predeceased by her parents, her brother Carl, and her former husband Byron Skinner. Survivors include sister-in-law Pat Nelson of Newark, Delaware, and nephew Chad Nelson and his partner, Mike Walsh, of Wilmington, Delaware. Candy is also survived by a network of friends, including Shayne Evans and her daughter Tammi, dear friend Bill Clendenin, Tammy Doster Green, Ed and Linda Bradley, Darci Teeters, Brittany and Marissa Scheele and Gina Easum, Valerie, Judd, Justin and Jason Brungardt.

After graduating from Kansas State University, Candy was an early AmeriCorps Vista Volunteer, focusing on fighting poverty by building capacity for local non-profits and public agencies. Completing her Master’s Degree in Social Work lead to a fulfilling career helping seniors. She became the Director of Adult Day Services at Primeplus Senior Center, and for over two decades she devoted herself to enhancing the lives of older adults in Norfolk, Virginia. Although she officially retired in 2012, she immediately returned to Primeplus as a lifetime member and dedicated volunteer, generously sharing her time leading activities for participants -- in particular, tending the community garden and supporting the curbside food pantry.

Candy also was instrumental in helping the agency navigate change and restructuring, always placing the needs of seniors, the Primeplus staff, and the community first. Whether participating in a fitness class, representing Primeplus at community fairs, or quietly lending a hand behind the scenes, Candy has been an extraordinary ambassador for older adults throughout Norfolk.

Candy’s legacy is found not only in the many programs she helped build, but in the countless lives she touched with her warmth, generosity, quiet strength, and unwavering belief that every person deserves dignity, kindness, and care. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Travel was one of Candy’s greatest joys. Retirement gave her the opportunity to explore the world through day trips with Primeplus and international adventures with her brother Carl, her nephew Chad, and Mike Walsh. Her adventurous spirit, genuine curiosity, and gift for making new friends enriched every journey she took.

Candy was a devoted cat lover whose home reflected her affection for feline companions, with a delightful collection of cat-themed books, artwork, and decorations that brought a smile to everyone who visited.

Friends are invited to join in celebrating Candy’s joyful life on Thursday, August 20 at 10:00 am at Primeplus Senior Center at 7545 Diven St., Norfolk, VA 23505. In her memory, please consider contributing to the important work of the Primeplus Senior Center and Food Pantry. Donations can be made at www.primeplus.org, please make sure to specify your donation to the food pantry.

Arrangements by Doughty Funeral Home of Exmore, Virginia.