John Wesley Capers

John W. Capers, Attorney (1930-2012) John Wesley Capers, born January 13, 1930, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2012, in Meridian, MS where he made his home with his wife Patricia (Moss). Mr. Capers graduated from Gulfport High School in 1949. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1954 from The University of Southern Mississippi. He attended the University of Memphis – Law School, received his Juris Doctorate degree from the Jackson School of Law (Mississippi College School of Law) in 1958, and also received a Masters of Science in Psychology in 1983. Mr. Capers love of language and mastery of words led him to radio broadcasting in the early 50’s to pay his way through college at Southern Miss. While at Southern, Mr. Capers along with fellow classmates performed in a series of variety shows in Mobile, AL to establish WUSM-FM (88.5 fm) which students continue to enjoy today. Many people will remember his sense of humor. He never failed to bring a smile to those he came in contact with and with his quick wit he always had a ready reply. Mr. Capers was a former staff member of WLBT-TV as an anchor for the nightly news and sports casts and also co-hosted “Jackson Tonight” covering social events, arts and entertainment news. Mr. Capers opened his law practice in Jackson in 1960. In 1983, he moved to Meridian and served as a counselor for several years before joining the Mississippi Department of Human Services Division of Family and Children’s Services as senior attorney. After retiring from DHS, Mr. Capers continued to practice law until November, 2007. Mr. Capers was a member of the Lauderdale County Bar Association and a member of the Mississippi College School of Law 50 Year Club. Mr. Capers was a member of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church and served in several areas including teaching Sunday school. He also had a great respect and gratitude for the “Friends of Bill”. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley Coke Capers and Odelphia Stockstill Capers; brother, Samuel Wragg Capers. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Moss Capers; children, Caren (Bob) Brister of Madison, Camille Black of Houston, TX, Michael Dana Capers of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Robert Brister, Morgan (Drew) Hegi, Erica Black, and Margo Gibson; step-sons, Chris, Brent, and Todd (Amy) Evans. Pallbearers will be Drew Hegi, Robert “Bob” Brister, Jeff Pitts, Chris Evans, Brent Evans and Todd Evans. Honorary pallbearers will be Zack Holifield, Lane Moss and Tony Moss. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to: Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or USM Athletic Center, 118 College Drive #5017, Hattiesburg, MS 39406. Visitation will be held Friday, March 9, 2012, 1:00 pm with service to follow at 2:00 pm at Memory Chapel, 3100 Audubon Drive, Laurel, MS 39441. Graveside service will follow in Fair Ridge Cemetery, Stringer, MS. Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of the arrangements.

John Wesley Capers

January 13, 1930 - March 7, 2012