Marie Capps

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Velda Marie Jefferies Capps of Brooklyn Heights, Carthage, has died 23 days short of her 89th birthday. 

She was born October 16, 1935, in Rice County, Kansas, daughter of Cal and Esther Jefferies, the youngest of nine children. Velda, who preferred to be called Marie, was raised by an aunt and uncle, Cleo and Ellen Logan of Neosho, Missouri. 

Growing up, she attended schools in Neosho, Missouri, where she was a member of Rainbow Girls, and graduated from Joplin Junior College in 1954; she was a member of Phi Kappa Phi.

Marie was joined in marriage to Robert Capps in Denver, Colorado; March of 1956.

Marie had a 35-year career as an educator at the University of Maryland, Montclair State University, and William Patterson College in New Jersey. Marie retired from teaching as an adjunct instructor at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri in 2002. In the 1970’s she compiled and published a Jefferies Family Genealogy that remains in the Library of Congress. She was also a member of the Joplin Genealogy Society.

Survivors include husband, Robert Capps; son Paige and wife Debra of Carthage; two granddaughters Cahlynn Giles of Azle, Texas, and Madelynn Capps- Whitley of Carthage; newly arrived and lovingly welcomed great granddaughter, Olivia Giles; and brother Willard Jefferies of Hood River, Oregon.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Fasken Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2024, at Ulmer Funeral Home. Friends and family will have the opportunity to share a fond memory or story about Marie at her graveside service.

Condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to Solace House of the Ozarks in Joplin, Missouri.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.