Cheryl McCandless Gafford

Cheryl McCandless (Gafford) passed from her earthly life on March 30, 2023, in her home with family surrounding her. After many years of suffering in this life, she is rejoicing in the arms of Jesus and her husband, Kenneth. 
Cheryl (Cox) was born in South Gate, California, on June 18, 1945, to John Cox and Claudia Marlar Cox. She graduated from Alpine High School in Texas- Class of 1963. She absolutely loved Alpine; the only thing that kept her in Lubbock was her beloved Kenneth McCandless whom she married on July 13, 1963.
Cheryl was a loving wife, wonderful mother, amazing Grandmommy to Tyler and Berkeley, and Nana to Kenny and Matthew. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Nora and Tate. She was patient and kind even when young grandbabies decided to have Mom pick them up from her house in the middle of the night after getting sick on junk food they would inevitably consume on sleepovers. Tyler would be stuffed with chips and queso from a jar, and Berkeley with Lil’ Smokies and Coca Cola. She was a superb cook, as Kenny and Matthew can attest. Cheryl enjoyed cooking, helping and loving on all animals, painting, sewing, crocheting, watching Andy Griffith (she could quote every episode), reading and writing, but her greatest loves were her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her proudest moments were seeing her grandchildren grow into amazing human beings. She was always telling her children and grandchildren, “I’m proud of you!” and, “I love you!” so they would always know and will continue to feel her abundant love for them. 
Cheryl’s nursing career spanned decades. She received her LVN education through Methodist Hospital and went on to pursue her BSN/RN from Texas Tech Health Science Center in Lubbock, Texas. Her career path included working as a floor nurse on many different shifts at hospitals, as well as working at Lehman Dermatology clinic, and at Texas Tech Health Science Center OB/GYN clinic. Her knowledge and devotion to the field of nursing came in handy several times, but especially when her husband, Kenneth, became sick and faced many life-threatening illnesses before leaving her side when he was only 37. 
Cheryl worked hard to provide for her three children; being a single parent at such a young age was surely not easy, especially while facing her own health struggles. Her struggles included polycystic kidneys, and most recently, uterine cancer and strokes. Her family’s joy in her struggle in death is that she is now in Heaven with her Lord and Savior pain free.
Cheryl was a born again Christian, being baptized with her daughter Leeann in January of 1982.
Cheryl was proceeded in death by her husband, Kenneth, her parents, Johnny and Claudia Cox, brother Gary Cox and sister-in-law Vera Cox, and brother Ron Cox, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. 
Those left to cherish Cheryl’s memory are her children Debbye McCandless, Leeann Branham and husband Jack, Kenneth McCandless, Jr.; sister-in-law Janie Cox: grandchildren Tyler Branham and wife Lauren, Berkeley Hilliard and husband Zachary, Kenneth McCandless III, and Matthew McCandless; great grandchildren Nora and Tate Branham. 
The family wishes to thank the nurses and doctors at UMC hospital and the staff of Gentiva hospice for their gentle and loving care during her last days. 
Special thanks to Kimberly Cox Sandberg for her generous contribution in memory of her parents, Gary and Vera Cox for their sister Cheryl. The family also wishes to thank Kim for her support and guidance through this difficult time. Thanks to family members Janie Cox, Stephanie Cox-Connolly, Donna English, and Jeanne Thomas, for your loving prayers, texts, and calls. 

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