Dr. Virginia Caples, passed on Monday, February 19, 2018 in Huntsville, Alabama after a lengthy illness. Dr. Caples was born on January 24, 1946 in Doddsville, Mississippi to Wiley Caples, Sr. and Ruth Viverette Caples. She was the youngest of three children including her brothers Wiley Caples, Jr., who preceded her in death, and Eddie Caples. She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Hundley Batts, Sr.
Dr. Caples had a great passion for education that led to a distinguished career as an administrator, professor, scholar, and mentor. In 1995, she had the distinction of being chosen by the Board of Trustees as the first female Interim President of Alabama A&M University in Normal, Alabama. However, she held numerous leadership positions throughout her 40-year career at the university including, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean, and Distinguished University Professor. Her ability to bring stability and leadership at Alabama A&M was again recognized by the Board of Trustees in 2005 when she was tapped to serve another term as Interim President of the university.
Her career began at Alcorn State University, in 1967 when she received her B. S. degree in Home Economics Education. She continued her education at Iowa State University where she received her M.A. and Ph.D. in Home Economics Education, as well. She later returned to Alcorn State to teach at her alma mater until she received the call to serve at Alabama A&M in what would later be called the department of Family and Consumer Sciences.
Dr. Caples’ leadership extended locally, regionally, and nationally in various organizations within the field of Family and Consumer Sciences. She served as the president and chair of the board of directors of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). She also served as vice president for professional development and the chair of the Council for Accreditation which aided numerous programs around the nation in maintaining standards of excellence. She also held the presidency of the Association of Administrators of Human Sciences and also served as secretary of the organization. She proudly contributed as a member of the board of directors for Girls, Inc., The Department of Human Resources for Madison County, the Harris Home for Children, The Volunteer Center, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.
Her expertise in the field of Family and Consumer sciences made her a sought-after speaker, trainer, and instructor around the world. Her seminars and instruction extended internationally into Germany, Australia, Tanzania, the Sudan, South Africa, St. Kitts, and Belize. Capable and fearless, she even became a pilot and enjoyed flying as often as possible.
In 1984, this powerful woman joined forces with local business leader Hundley Batts, Sr. in holy matrimony. The community-minded team of Caples and Batts became a voice for African-Americans in the Tennessee Valley when they purchased WEUP Radio station in 1987. One station led to the purchase of five stations overall in the region and the creation of the Broadcast One, LLC. For years they supported the African American community with the annual Black Arts Festival, cultural events, and numerous other endeavors for the Tennessee Valley.
Dr. Virginia Caples’ leadership and contributions have been recognized through numerous awards including the Distinguished Service Award of the AAFCS, the Outstanding African-American in the Agricultural Sciences award from the Museum of Science and Industry-Chicago. She also received Distinguished Alumni Awards from Iowa State University and Alcorn State University. Her numerous awards also included the First Annual Rosa Parks Women of Courage Award by the Huntsville Madison County NAACP; the Mentor of the Year Award by the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Huntsville Chapter; Oakwood University Community Hero Award, the AL.com 30 Women Who Shape the State Award, and the Martin Luther King Unity Award from Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. Delta Theta Lambda Chapter. One of her greatest honors came when Alabama A&M established the Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute (VCLLI) on the campus. This center addresses the needs and quality of life for the older adult population here in the Tennessee Valley. The VCLLI is the first of its kind for any 1890 land grant institution and is a vibrant legacy that will enhance the quality of life for the senior population for years to come.
Her memberships extended to various service organizations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Greater Huntsville Chapter of The Links, Inc., and her home church of the Church Street Cumberland Presbyterian Church where she was a dedicated Sunday School teacher and chair of the Diaconate.
Virginia Caples will be lovingly missed by her devoted husband Hundley Batts, Sr., her surviving brother Eddie Caples, her niece, Cassandra Johnson; her nephew Anthony (Linda), great-niece Layla, and niece Michelle Caples; her step-children M. D. Batts, Hundley, Jr. (Janet), Sonya Batts-Martin and granddaughter Nia; her sister-in-law Delores Stewart, and brother-in-law James Brooks; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Funeral service will be 12:00 p.m., Saturday, February 24, 2018, at the First Missionary Baptist Church (3509 Blue Spring Road, Huntsville, AL 35810) with Dr. Mitchell Walker officiating. Interment will be announced later. Dr. Caples will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 23, 2018, and from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 24, 2018 at the Royal Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute (VCLLI) established at the Alabama A&M University Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1057; Normal, AL 35762. Please make checks payable to AAMU Foundation. For more information: (256) 372-2004 or foundation@aamu.edu.
