WILMINGTON — Barbara Brown Capps (Barbara Jean), 87, of Wilmington entered her heavenly home on June 18, 2025.
Barbara was born July 24, 1937, in the Catherine Lake area of Onslow County, to the late Admiral Dewey Brown and Christine Stephens Brown. She remained a lifelong resident of southeastern North Carolina.
In June of 1954, she wed her beloved husband, Cecil Graham Capps. They remained devoted to each other until his passing in 2019. Their 65 years of marriage serves as a testament to the strength of a Godly marriage, and an inspiration to their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, Barbara is preceded in death by her mother and father; along with siblings Helen Fountain, Laura Cochrane, Charles Brown, and David Brown.
She is survived by her adoring children, Sue Capps Hunley (Thomas) and Michael Capps (Robbin); grandchildren, Melissa Maillard (Steve), Amanda Koester (Andy), Amy Richardson (Brandon) and Stephen Capps (Justine); great grandchildren, Mason, Sam, Austin, Wesley, Luke, Carsyn, Marra and Caiden; and brother, Graham Brown (Alice). Although she will be missed immensely, she leaves us with a legacy of steadfast faith, unconditional love, and the knowledge that we will see her again one day.
As an employee of New Hanover and Onslow County schools, Barbara was able to put her nurturing nature and notoriously kind heart to use by impacting many young minds over the years. She retired in 1998 with 32 years of service to her community. On Sunday mornings, you could find her in the choir loft at First Christian Church of Wilmington, where she has made a joyful noise since 1972. She was an active member of her church community, serving in many different capacities over her 50 years of attendance.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Barbara’s memory to First Christian Church of Wilmington, 2035 Oleander Drive, Wilmington NC or to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Barbara’s long term care giver, Wendy, their “angel on earth.”
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
