Mary Elaine Johnston Caples

TUSCALOOSA – Mary Elaine Johnston Caples, age 90, of Tuscaloosa, passed away at Hospice of West Alabama on January 25, 2016. Graveside service will be 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at Memory Hill Gardens with Rev. Michael Anderson officiating and Memory Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the funeral home. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Jefferson Davis Caples Jr. "J.D."; father, Bruce Prescott Johnston, and mother; Eula Lee Johnston; and special uncles, James Breitling and Sam Breitling of Demopolis, both of whom raised her from a young age, following the death of her mother. Survivors include her sons, Bruce Douglas Caples (Susan), Jefferson Davis Caples III (Marie), both of Tuscaloosa; sister, Elsie Lee Henry of Birmingham. Also survived by grandchildren, Emily Caples Meriwether (Tom) of Tuscaloosa, Richard Breitling Caples of Birmingham, Courtney Caples Streelman (Kevin) of Scottsdale, Ariz.; great-grandchildren, Mary Dunlap Meriwether, Thomas Meriwether and Sophia Marie Streelman; and nieces, Diane Henry Couch of Seale, and Deborah Henry Berry of Birmingham. She was born in Demopolis March 11, 1925. Elaine was a very kind and fun loving person, who loved to dance and visit with friends. In her younger years she especially enjoyed singing with her sister Elsie, in the band, the Bigbee Barons of Demopolis. She was also an avid shopper, especially for surprises for her grandchildren. She was friends with many employees of her favorite shops, all of whom she knew by name. She and her husband were long time members of First Presbyterian Church. Elaine loved her church and when she became unable to attend, she continued to worship through the weekly Sunday telecast. Pallbearers will be Richard Caples, Tom Meriwether, Kevin Streelman, Rob Herndon and Jay Herndon. The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of West Alabama. Special thanks to her long time caregiver, Janice French, who she considered her best friend. The family is grateful for caregivers Terri Terry and Tonya Williams, and to Rosa Stewart, who worked in her home for over 40 years. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church or Hospice of West Alabama.