Cobb County Clerk Candace (Candy) Ellison, 59, of Kennesaw died July 2 - just 10 days before her birthday.
Her service was held on July 5 with Pastor Cory Hallett officiating followed by her burial at Kennesaw City Cemetery.
Employed by Cobb County government since 1998, Ellison had served as the county clerk since 2009.
The mission statement for her office reflected what many have said about Ellison's work ethic: "To effectively manage the official records of the Board Of Commissioners, in compliance with all relevant laws, rules and policies, ensuring the integrity and ease of accessibility of said records to the citizens and other interested parties, with a commitment to accuracy, professionalism and superior customer service."
However, "her greatest joy in life was being a wife and mother who provided a loving home, which she shared with family and friends," according to her obituary.
Among the many writers in her guest book, one noted she had named her oldest daughter in honor of Ellison and remarked on Ellison's qualities of being "always loving" and "truly a good, strong woman" with "the sweetest personality."
One coworker commented, "I had the privilege of working for Candy for eight years. Under her guidance, I grew both personally and professionally. Candy's ethics, intelligence and integrity ensured that our office was an exemplary place to work."
Others called Ellison "a wonderful person," "a very beautiful person inside and out," "a coworker I admired and respected because of her integrity and work ethic - impeccable," "a friend as she showed me time and again that she cared," "always kind and sweet" and "an outstanding coworker and a wonderful friend."
"I will never forget how she could play that piano," another added.
Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home in Kennesaw handled her arrangements.
