Candy Pilgrim

Candy Corrine Pilgrim Jr., along with her twin brother, were born on April 24, 1956 in Brooklyn NY, to the late Candy (Sr.) and Eugene Pilgrim. She was affectionately known by her twin, James (Popman) as “Tutta”. On November 12, 2018, at the age of 62, Candy peacefully departed this life surrounded by family at Kings County Hospital Center. As she grew ill, Candy continued to show her strength by expressing her love for her family and her will to fight. Candy grew up in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, or as she would put it “the Stuy”. She was the oldest of seven children, which included three sets of twins and a single baby brother. As the oldest, Candy took on a maternal and protective role over her siblings. Although Candy was close to all her brothers and sisters, she shared a special bond with her twin Popman. They were known for their daring and adventurous personalities. Candy attended P. S. 129, and graduated from J.H.S 57. Shortly after graduating, Candy gave birth to her first child, Tasha Pilgrim (her soul). As a young mother, Candy joined the workforce to gain her independence and provide for her daughter. She enjoyed shopping with and for Tasha, sometimes making weekly trips to buy matching sneakers. She moved to the East New York section of Brooklyn, where she lived for over 40 years. Candy held a variety of positions in the workforce including Factory Worker, Home Attendant, Grounds Keeper with the NYC Parks Department, and served food for NYC Housing Authority. In 2004, Candy became a Bus Matron for the developmentally disabled. Through her kind heart, she was able to leave a lasting impression on the lives of her clients and families. Candy met the love of her life, James Cowan, when she walked into the butcher shop he co-owned in Brooklyn, being drawn to his charismatic personality. The two fell in love and were together for over 30 years. Through their love, Candy gave birth to her youngest child, Jermaine (her heart). She also opened her heart to James’s son and daughter, Lamont and Latoya McPhatter, and their children. Nothing brought Candy more joy than the news and birth of her grandbaby, Taylor Pilgrim. The mere mention of her name brought a smile to her face. She cherished the times watching her run around, showing off her photos of her and receiving video calls from Taylor calling her “Grandma”. Candy was extremely loving and protective over her family and children. She was best known for her compassion, love of cooking, feeding others, had an eye for fashion, always catching a good deal, and giving nicknames to those around her. Candy was blessed with the gift of using her words to get her point across and leaving a positive lasting impression. She enjoyed listening to oldies like Al Green, watching TV Ministers, talking to friends and family on the phone, and just seeing those around her happy. Candy leaves to celebrate her life: her children, Tasha, Jermaine, and Emily (daughter in law) Pilgrim; her siblings: James, Lela, Linda (Weldon), Denise (Harris), Darrel Sr., and Wilma (Irby); her granddaughter, Taylor; Sister-in-Laws: Linda and Yanick; her nieces Danielle, Brianna (Waterton), Darlene, Raven, Robyn (Irby Organ) and Jennifer; nephews: Kareem, Jerry (Harris) Jr, Darrel Jr., William (Weldon), Davonte, Kaelin, Carmelo; a host of great-nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Candy is preceded in death by her parents, Candy Sr. and Eugene Pilgrim; brother, Eugene Smith; nephew, James (Young); and love of her life James Cowan.

Candy Pilgrim

April 24, 1956 - November 12, 2018