Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight," –    1 Peter 3:3-4, NIV

Candyss Dames was born on August 16,1965 in Pompano Beach, Florida to the late Reverend Samuel M. Collier and Tanya A. Collier. She departed this life on October 5, 2021.

The oldest of two children, Candyss was the only daughter. At a very young age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior and began her Christian journey of service at Mt.    Calvary Baptist Church and later at First Baptist Church of Piney Grove, both in Pompano Beach, Florida.

A loving and bright-eyed youngster, Candyss was passionate about her faith and attending Sunday School. She became an active youth leader at First Baptist Church in Piney Grove. The Lord gave her a vibrant zeal for fellowship and several gifts, including playing the piano and a beautiful voice. Candyss enjoyed worship as a youngster and often played for the     Junior choir and served as treasurer for the Youth choir.

Candyss matriculated through Broward County Schools, where she excelled academically. She also attended and completed seventh grade at Dan Morgan Middle School in Winchester, Virginia where she was the spelling bee champion before returning to her hometown in South Florida. Upon returning, she attended Lauderdale Lakes Middle School, where she played basketball.

During her adolescent years, Candyss continued to blossom as a well-rounded student, athlete and a popular youth leader. With a documented IQ of 130, Candyss was a natural fit for the pre-engineering magnet program at Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach. She was a member of the Honor Society, Spanish Club and the Young Sophisticates. Candyss also was elected President of the Student Council.

A versatile and gifted student, Candyss ran track and was a member of the cheerleading squad. She also was an avid reader, writer and a member of the high school's photography club. Candyss had a fun, loving personality and witty sense of humor.

After graduation, Candyss attended Jacksonville University, where she pledged Alpha Kappa   Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and earned a degree in International Affairs in 1987. She applied and received the prestigious Alfred P. Sloane Fellowship to attend the Gerald. R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she graduated with a Master's degree in Public Policy in 1989.