Dorothy L. Capers

MRS. DOROTHY L.

CAPERS

Mrs. Dorothy L. Capers beloved wife of Maj. James Capers Jr., Retired, passed away on June 28th, 2009, at Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC.

"Dottie", as everyone affectionately called her, was born on June 13th, 1938, in Barnwell Co., South Carolina.

On June 20th, 1959, she married the love of her life, Cpl. James Capers Jr., U.S. Marine Corps. She worked as homemaker and her husband was a career Marine. They were blessed with their only son, Gary Wayne Capers.

Dottie supported and endured Jim's multiple combat deployments throughout the years, only to lose their son at an early age in 2003. Though she had been through more in one lifetime than anyone should have to bear, she remained steadfast her in faith, family, and God.

She will be remembered as a gentle and compassionate woman. Although she had only one son, there are many men and women that refer to her as "Mom" and "Grandma" and that was precisely what she was to them. She was always someone you could go to for motherly guidance and care, or even just a kind word.

Dottie enjoyed painting, gardening, cooking and dancing. She also loved to spend days outside working in her garden, taking care of the fish in her pond, and watching and feeding the animals and birds in her backyard.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Maj. Jim Capers, Retired; one sister: Mrs. Fannie McMillan and one brother: Willie L. Green Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer, both of Baltimore, MD; her many nieces and nephews; her grandchildren: Andre and Armon Burton, and Arabus Cordona; Her great-granddaughter, Kaylee Marie Cordona, the women she loved as her daughters: Yoko Burton, JoAnne Cordona, and Dee Ferguson; and the many extended family members that she treated as sons and daughters throughout the years.

Among her many awards and achievements was the 1st Army's Prestigious Mrs. Lt. Award; The National Outstanding Young Women of America Award, the Navy Relief 1000 Hr. Volunteer Pin and numerous other awards for outstanding humanitarian and community service.

On June 1st, 2009 Dottie received recognition for her many years as a Marine wife, loyal patriot and community service leader by James T. Conway, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps, on behalf of the men and women of U.S. Marine Corps and a grateful nation.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dottie's name to Onslow Memorial Hospital in recognition of the outstanding care provided to her by their staff and administration.

Funeral arrangements are being entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home. The wake has been scheduled for Thursday, July, 2nd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The memorial service will be presided by Rev. James Brown at 1st Missionary Baptist Church in Georgetown, Jacksonville on Friday at 10:30am.

Dottie and her beloved son, Gary Wayne Capers, will be buried at the Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be announced.

Arrangements by Johnson Funeral Home, Jacksonville.

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