Marie Capel King

Marie Capel King, 101, died peacefully October 27th at Croasdaile Retirement Community in Durham. She was born Mattie Marie Watkins in Martinsville VA, to Harvey and Theodora Watkins. Mrs. King lived in Spencer and Martinsville VA until she joined the Navy as a young woman during WWII. Her duties in the WAVES included inspecting and repairing airplanes. Mrs. King then attended NCSU on the GI bill, where she met her husband, George Capel. She finished her undergraduate degree at GWU after giving birth to her daughter, Gail. Her son, Jim was born in Gainesville FL while George was completing graduate studies in Agricultural Economics. Dr. Capel died in 1975.

Mrs. King lived in Raleigh for many years, where she was a member of Pullen Memorial Baptist Church. While raising two children, she obtained a masters degree in education from NCSU. Mrs. King served as director of Career Services and Placement at Meredith College, retiring in 1987. In addition to helping students find jobs after graduation, Marie was instrumental in establishing the cooperative education program at Meredith. In this program, students alternate work and school semesters, giving them valuable experience in their chosen fields. Marie had many causes she supported, but she was most passionate about nurturing young women in furthering their career choices.

Mrs. King married her second husband, Dr. Richard King, also an agricultural economist, in 1991. Dr. King died in 2009. Marie and Richard loved travel and family gatherings. They spent their final years at Croasdaile Retirement Community, where they were members of Watts Street Baptist Church.

Ms King is survived by her daughter, Gail Capel (Robert Salemme); son, Jim (Eileen) Capel; step-daughters, Sara Gosnell, Deborah Wapner, and Susan (John) Holbrook; step-son, Philip King; eleven step-grandchildren; and eight great step-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sisters Nelda Mize, Zelma Mitchell, Susan Evans, and Elsie Martin. Gratitude is extended to Ms King’s long-time caregiver, Shirley Adams.

Memorial service will be held at Watts Street Baptist Church in Durham on November 8th at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of choice or Watts Street Baptist Church.