Jewel Capps, currently of Florence, SC and a long-time resident of Bowie, MD,
passed away on June 29, 2024.


She was born on March 25, 1941 in Nash County, NC to Arthur Alan and Idalene
Taylor, a hard-working farming family. She lost her father at the age of nine. Her mother,
demonstrating the fortitude and spark that would be instilled in her daughter, moved the two
of them to Atlanta, GA, where she taught school.


While in high school, Jewel met a dashing young football star from NC and fell madly
in love. She and her new beau Eugene Capps remained high school sweethearts and after
enlisting in the Army he made regular trips from wherever he was stationed to keep the
flame alive. They were married in the Base Chapel at Ft. McPherson, GA and began what
would become their adventurous life together.


Jewel was the picture of a strong Army wife and mother who held the family together
while Eugene served two tours in Vietnam. On top of taking care of three kids at home she
often had extended family members under her roof (two mothers, one grandmother, and
even a brother-in-law not much younger than herself).


In addition to her work as a mother and supportive military wife, Jewel worked in
administrative roles, volunteered with military and school activities, and was heavily
involved as a leader in the Girl Scouts of America. In her primary role as Capps Household
CEO, she managed the budget, sibling disputes, pet issues and all-around problem solving
on a daily basis. She did this while living in base and civilian housing and managing moves
to NC, GA, KS, WA, VA, PA, and NY in the US as well as Stuttgart and Berlin in Europe.
Jewel Capps was the best mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother anyone
could wish for and will be dearly missed by her large and loving family. She was an
incredible role model for her three kids Robin, Alan, Mark and their families. She went on to
become heavily involved in the lives of their seven grandchildren and two great-
grandchildren. She never missed a chance to show support, offer help, host a visit, or
share advice with anyone in the family – we all have amazing memories of her that we’ll
cherish forever.


Jewel was preceded in death by her husband Eugene in this same month 15 years
ago and by her son Alan less than two years ago. She is survived by daughter Robin Baker
and her husband Rick and son Mark Capps and his wife Dawna; grandchildren Benjamin
Baker and his wife Keli, Tim Baker and his wife Joy, and Mike Baker and his wife Roberta,
Taylor Capps, Madison Capps, Jacob Capps and Ava Capps; and great-grandchildren
Elizabeth Anne Baker and Brooks Baker.


In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations to the American Cancer Society in Jewel’s name
are encouraged. Please continue fighting what has taken two family members in less than
two years. donate.cancer.org


Jewel will be remembered in a Memorial Service and will rest beside her husband,
Ltc. Eugene Capps, on the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Dates and
details for those future services will be shared at a later date.


March 25, 1941 ~ June 29, 2024

​​​​​​​​​​​Russell High School

Siddie Jewel Taylor Capps









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