Candace Westbrook

Candace Gale Howton Westbrook, 43, passed away September 29 at her home in Palestine surrounded by her loving family. She was born November 23, 1977 at Stuttgart to Jerry Eugene Howton and Cheryl Yvonne Gwathney Howton.

Candace grew up in the rural farming area of Palestine with her older brother, Daniel and older sister, Angie. She received her elementary education at Wheatley and was a 1996 graduate of Brinkley High School. She continued her education at EACC in Forrest City, where she received her nursing degree. Her first job was working at the Crestpark Nursing Home in Wynne, and for the past seven years she worked as a home health nurse for Elite Home Health in Forrest City.

On Saturday, September 20, 1997, she married the love of her life, Raymond Westbrook. Ray and Candace met soon after she graduated from high school. After dating for a number of months they were married. They had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. This marriage was blessed with the birth of one son, Raymond Lane.

Candace was a loving daughter, sister, wife, and mother, who loved carrying for her family. She enjoyed watching her son play sports and was a member of the Palestine-Wheatley High School Booster Club. Among her other interest, she found pleasure working in her flower beds, feeding her chickens and going fishing.
She was preceded in death by her mom, Yvonne Howton; a nephew; and a sister-in-law. Survivors are her husband of 25 years, Ray Westbrook; a son, Raymond Lane Westbrook; father, Jerry Howton; brother, Jerry Daniel Howton and wife, Casey, of Harrisburg; a sister, Angela Denise Dorman and husband, Keith, of Harrisburg; 5 sisters-in-law; 9 nieces; 6 nephews; 9 great-nieces; and 3 great-nephews; and a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral services were Monday, October 3 at the Brinkley First Assembly of God Church. Ministers were Justin Murphy and Eric Harrell. Interment was in Mars Hill Cemetery at Palestine. Arrangements were by Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home in Brinkley. Pallbearers were Ricky Boyd, Dale Howton, Geremy Robb, Mark Vance, Dennis Boyd, and Lathan Busby. Honorary pallbearers were Hunter Lee, Haygan Henry, Gavin Crawford, and Bobby Blackwell.