Sandra Arletta Shorter

July 3, 1961 – August 19, 2026

Sandra Arletta Shorter, affectionately known as “Candy,” passed away untimely on August 19, 2026. She was born on July 3, 1961, in Charles County, Maryland to the late Nelson and Eleanor Shorter.

The Woman We Knew as Candy

Candy was educated in Charles County Public Schools; she graduated from McDonough High School in 1981.

Candy was a woman with a contagious spirit, a strong personality, and a heart that was always connected to her family. She was a straight shooter who never held her tongue and was never afraid to tell you exactly what she thought. She enjoyed folk tales, talking trash, laughing, and simply being around the people she loved.

Candy loved playing cards, especially Tonk and Deuces Wild, and she enjoyed trips to the casino, family time, cookouts, and traveling to the beach. She was a proud Ravens fan and enjoyed cheering on her football team.

One of the things Candy enjoyed most was playing cards beside her mother, whom she affectionately referred to as “Tah.” Those moments were special to her and became memories that her family will forever treasure.

Candy also enjoyed talk shows and had a love for trying different restaurants. After sampling the food, she would give her family her review as if she were a professional food critic. Her opinions were honest, entertaining, and always delivered with her own special personality.

Candy loved her dog, Buddy, and he was a very important part of her life. Her children would joke that she posted more pictures of Buddy than she did of her own children. Buddy was her companion and travel buddy, and Candy loved taking him along on her trips and adventures.

Candy enjoyed being gifted different flowers. Her favorites were sunflowers, orchids, and roses. Candy loved her purses, clothes, and shoes, and her favorite color was black.

Candy was not computer savvy, but she sure knew how to post pictures with all kinds of filters! She had a way of making her pictures fun and entertaining, and those memories will surely bring smiles and laughter to her family for years to come.

Candy was big on family. She had a special way of making people feel welcome and loved. She faithfully handed out the biggest candy bars on Halloween and became known as the neighborhood mom, with children from the neighborhood always posting up at her house. Her home was a place where people felt comfortable, welcomed, and cared for.

Candy fought all the way to the end. She was strong, determined, and resilient, and she never stopped being herself.

She wanted to show more love to the people around her, and she began expressing the love she had for everyone more openly. Those who knew Candy will remember that contagious spirit and the way she could make her presence known wherever she went.

Her family will remember her laughter, her honesty, her strong opinions, her love of food, cards, flowers, family, Buddy, traveling, and the many little things that made her uniquely Candy.

Candy will be remembered with deep love by the family she cherished so dearly. She leaves behind her fiancée, James Dorsey, whom she absolutely adored. Candy cherished the passion and love she shared with James. They enjoyed traveling together and going on cruises, creating beautiful memories together until Candy became ill. Their time together was filled with love, companionship, laughter, and unforgettable experiences that will forever remain a special part of her life.

She is survived by her children, John (RonNeka), Wayne “Chris,” Brandon, and Amairah (Brandon). Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, DaRon, Wayne Jr. “LC,” Aniya, Alaiah, Zakye, Nhyla, Kennedi, and Pierre, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

The way Candy showed love to all her children was unmatched. Candy absolutely loved her kids and showed it every day. Candy and her kids would talk daily, sharing stories and making future plans. It was nothing for Candy to summon her kids over for dinner, to talk, or just to have their company. Her children were a tremendous part of her life, and the love she had for them was evident in everything she did.

Candy is also lovingly remembered by her siblings and extended family: her brother Darryl (Eleanor) Kitt and her sisters Eleanor Johnson, Jeanette (Richard) Turner, and Nelson (Cecila); her brother Keith (Maurishka); her sister Donna (Delmont); and her sister-in-law Lisa Shorter. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will carry her memory forward with love, affection, and gratitude.

Candy was preceded in death by her father, Nelson Shorter; her mother, Eleanor Jenifer; her step-father, Joseph Jenifer; her brothers, Patrick Shorter and Maurice Locks; brother-in-law Cardinal Johnson; and her bonus sister, Melissa Johnson. Their memories remained an important part of the story of her life and the family bonds that helped shape who she was.

Sandra Arletta Shorter will be remembered for the love she gave to her family, the lives she touched, and the lasting place she holds in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

May her memory bring comfort, laughter, and love to everyone blessed to have known her.

Rest peacefully, Candy. You fought all the way to the end, and your love will live on forever.

She will be deeply missed, always cherished, and forever remembered.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”— 2 Timothy 4:7

In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, the family graciously appreciates any monetary contributions made in support of the funeral services. Contributions may be made directly to the funeral home using the link provided below.

For contributions of $500 or more, please contact the funeral home directly for additional payment options.

The family sincerely thanks you for your kindness, generosity, prayers, and support during this difficult time.https://www.rmtfunerals.com/services/merchandise2