Candice Nicole Brackett

Candice Nicole Brackett, age 43, of London, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025. Born on March 3, 1982, in Harlan County, Kentucky, she was the beloved daughter of Randy Abner and Debbie Lay Abner both of Harlan County.

Candice is survived by her loving brother, Chris Abner, and his wife Amy of Cornettsville, Kentucky; her cherished aunts, Reva Campbell, Larna Bowman, Cheryl Lay, Cathy Fox, and Kathy Lay; her uncle, Ted Abner; her two faithful dogs, Gizmo and Hop plus a host of cousins, extended family, dear friends, and the countless students and families who were blessed by her presence. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bill and Marilyn Abner and Eugene and Anna Lay, as well as her uncle, Michael Lay.

Raised in Harlan County, Candice graduated from Cumberland High School, where she was active on the basketball team and dance team, known for her outgoing spirit and vibrant personality. She furthered her education at Southeast Kentucky Community College and Eastern Kentucky University, earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees in education. With a heart devoted to children, Candice pursued her calling as an elementary school teacher.

She taught first grade at Colony Elementary and previously taught kindergarten. Her passion for teaching extended far beyond the classroom. She was also a dedicated boys basketball coach, pouring her competitive energy and love into every player she mentored. Under her leadership, Colony Elementary achieved a historic milestone when her team became the first in school history to earn runner-up in the elementary school boys basketball finals-a moment of pride and inspiration for the entire school.

Candice was known not only as an exceptional educator, but as a deeply compassionate human being. Under her guidance, her students consistently achieved some of the highest test scores in the district-a reflection of her unwavering dedication, innovative teaching methods, and belief in every child's potential. She inspired her students to excel not only academically but personally, nurturing both minds and hearts with equal care. She frequently visited students in the hospital, attended funerals to support grieving families, and celebrated her former students' weddings and graduations-always showing up when it mattered most. Her classroom was a place of joy, creativity, and learning, where students got to hatch chicks from eggs and love bloomed daily. Candice often spent her own resources to ensure her students had everything they needed to thrive.

With her father, Candice created a hay bale turkey that became a Thanksgiving favorite among students at Colony. Candice also founded Stuffed Love, a heartfelt initiative that provided stuffed animals to children in need, hospital patients, nursing home residents, and others across the country in need of comfort. It was just one of many ways Candice gave selflessly to others.

Outside the classroom, Candice loved yard sales and maintained a booth at the vendor's mall in London. She enjoyed gardening and had a special passion for flowers. She adored animals and loved her two dogs, Gizmo and Hope, who she saved after a tornado struck her neighborhood, a testament to her nurturing and generous heart.

Candice Brackett's life was defined by kindness, service, and unwavering love. Her legacy lives on in every student she taught, every heart she comforted, and every life she lifted. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The funeral service for Candice Brackett will be conducted at 6 pm Thursday in the Bowling Funeral Home Chapel with Larry Paul Roark officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 4 pm Thursday until the funeral hour of 6 pm at Bowling Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at 11 am Friday at the Swiss Colony Cemetery in London.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial donations be made to the Family Resource Center at Colony Elementary, 3656 Somerset Road, London, KY 40741.

This obituary is a courtesy of Tri City Funeral Home

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