Evelyn Mayes Redfearn Capel

 WADESBORO - On Friday, January 20, 2023, Evelyn Mayes Redfearn Capel passed away peacefully at Anson Health and Rehabilitation in Wadesboro, NC with her three daughters at her side.  She was born on August 5, 1922, in the small community of Cool Springs outside of Statesville, NC to the late Earl Durant Mayes, Sr, and the late Ethel Shoemaker Mayes.  

Evelyn began her working years with the Department of Agriculture office in Statesville followed by a position at a local bank, the beginning of a decades-long career in banking.  On February 8, 1946, she married David Townley Redfearn and moved to Townley’s family farm just outside Wadesboro. Together they grew the farm into a large dairy, row crop, and timber operation.

Evelyn worked at First National Bank (later Southern National, then BB&T) where she met much of Anson County’s population.  She was known for her friendliness and ready smile.  At the same time, she shared in the management of the farm while raising three daughters, Lyn, Rosie, and Mary Townley. 

              In May 1969, Townley was killed in a timber accident.  Evelyn continued working at the bank while overseeing the farm operations, eventually focusing on timber farming. In 1978, she married Bill Capel Sr. and gained a son, Bill Jr.  At the age of 67 she retired from BB&T as an assistant vice president.

             Following Bill’s unexpected death in 1990, Evelyn found solace in visiting her children and grandchildren, making countless drives to Winston-Salem, Durham, and Norfolk, VA. At 69, she still entertained her beloved grandchildren by turning cartwheels in the yard.  As the years passed, Evelyn continued gardening, antiquing, and working on ever-present projects.

              In 2008 at the age of 86, Evelyn moved from the family farm into town and became a familiar sight walking Wadesboro’s hilly streets as she “made her rounds” and puttered in her yard.  Although becoming wheelchair-bound and eventually confined by COVID restrictions, she regularly attended church and went out for Sunday lunch thanks to her devoted son Bill. Her faith and her commitment to the First United Methodist Church of Wadesboro were very important parts of her life.

              Evelyn kept her home the family gathering place as spouses joined the family and grandchildren and great-grandchildren were born. She was the absolute heart of her family and was never happier than when she was surrounded by those she loved.  She taught the value of family and served as a wonderful example of what it is to be a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

              She is survived by her daughters Sarah “Lyn” Redfearn Treadway, Rosalind “Roe” Redfearn Boothby (George), and Mary Redfearn Creed (Bob), and son William C. Capel, Jr (Jocelyn), grandchildren David Treadway (Danielle), Daniel Treadway, Sarah Treadway, Neil Boothby (Brooke), Jeff Boothby, and Arthur Capel (Anna), and great-grandchildren Dakota Treadway, Evelyn “Evie” Treadway, Ella Barker, Townley Boothby, Bailey Boothby, and Harrison Boothby.

                In addition to her parents and husbands, Evelyn was preceded in death by her brothers, Herman Mayes and Earl Mayes, and her son-in-law Jerry Treadway. 

              The family would like to thank those who cared for Evelyn and enabled her to live at home until shortly before her death.

              Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, January 28, 2023 at First United Methodist Church, Wadesboro with Rev. Stacey Lundy and Rev. Allen Laymen officiating. Interment will follow in Eastview Cemetery.

              The family will greet friends Friday, January 27, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Leavitt Funeral Home in Wadesboro.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 118 Morgan St., Wadesboro, NC 28170, Anson County Arts Council, P.O. Box 332, Wadesboro, NC 28170, Anson County Historical Society, 206 East Wade Street, Wadesboro, NC 28170, or Hospice of Richmond County, 1119 US-1N, Rockingham, NC 28379.

The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com