Phyllis H. Capell

Posted on August 28, 2019

Phyllis H. Capell, 84, of Perry, passed away on August 24, 2019, surrounded by her family. She was born in Pensacola on February 3, 1935, to Robert and Lou Hodgen, the second of three sisters. She grew up in Pensacola and graduated from Pensacola High School in 1953. She attended Florida State University (FSU) and graduated in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in education. She married the love of her life, Wilson Melvin (Monk) Capell Jr. in 1955. He predeceased her in 1973, and she went on to raise their four children as a single mother, dedicating herself to their wellbeing.

Phyllis was also predeceased by her father Robert Hodgen and her mother Lou Mansfield, her sister Sara McCollum, her nephew Tom Rose, her sister-in-law Georgeanne Capell, and her niece Linda Capell Gibney. She is survived by her children and grandchildren, Ann (Tommy) Joiner, Daniel Joiner and Wil Joiner; Bill Capell; Julie (Kris) Young, Brandon Young, and Zack Young; Lisa (Jimmy) Robertson, Jordan Robertson, and Meagan Robertson, all of Perry; a sister, Roberta Hodgen of Sherman Oaks, California; a brother-in-law Richmond Capell of Live Oak; many dearly loved nieces and nephews, her church family, and friends too numerous to count.

While attending FSU, Phyllis was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She began teaching first grade in the Taylor County School System in 1957. She is still described by many of her former first grade students as “my favorite teacher.” While working full-time, she earned a master’s degree in reading education and a master’s degree in educational leadership. She was honored as Taylor County Teacher of the Year in 1973. After eighteen years of teaching first grade, she worked as a Reading Specialist and Primary Specialist at Perry Primary, and a Staffing Specialist in the ESE Office. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma sorority. During her career she was active in the Pine Tree Reading Council and Habitat for Humanity. After her retirement in 2000 she was active in Taylor County’s Retired Teacher Organization. She was later inducted into Taylor County’s Educator Hall of Fame. Her love for children and her dedication to nurturing and teaching them shined through in everything she did.

Phyllis loved the Lord and served Him at First United Methodist Church all her adult life. In addition to volunteering in the church nursery, she served as Nursery Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Methodist Children’s Home representative, member of the Wesleyan Service Guild and member of the Altar Guild.

At the end of her life, Phyllis was ravaged by an illness that stole much of her memory and weakened her body, but it could not dim the sweetness of her spirit, the love in her heart, or the faith that was so much a part of who she was. She was a kind and loving friend to all she met. Her love, compassion, humor, and determination will live on in the lives of everyone she touched. She will be missed by all those she leaves behind. Heaven is rejoicing at her arrival.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Perry with Bro. James Taylor officiating. Interment services will follow immediately afterwards in Woodlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at First United Methodist Church of Perry. All arrangements are under the direction of Burns Funeral Home of Perry. In lieu of flowers those who wish may make donations to the First United Methodist Church building fund or mission fund.

Friends may sign the online guest book at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com