Dr. John Winston Capps
Calvary Cemetery
Section 25, Block 25, Lot 173, Space W CTR
(1914-1982)
Dr. Capps was born in Norfolk to Moses and Mary Lovette Capps in1914. As a boy he attended Saint Joseph’s Catholic School and graduated with honors from Booker T. Washington High School. After high school, he enrolled in Talladega College in Alabama, from which he graduated in 1937. Next, he engaged in further studies at the Hampton Institute and Columbia University, while teaching at his alma mater, Booker T. Washington. In 1945, he completed his studies at Howard Medical University. The same year, he joined the US Navy. As a naval lieutenant, he served as director of radiology at the Naval Training Center in Bainbridge, Maryland and as the director of diagnostic resident training at the Saint Albans New York Naval Hospital. In 1956, Dr. Capps became the chief radiologist of Norfolk Community Hospital, a position that he held until his retirement in 1970.
In addition to his long medical career, Dr. Capps was an ardent philanthropist and community leader. In 1963, he was appointed to Norfolk’s Citizens Advisory Committee, a panel of white and black citizens that worked to smooth race relations in the city. He was a lifelong member of the NAACP, and ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 1970. He was also noted for hosting parties at his beach cottage for handicapped children. He was married to Dr. Marian Palmer Capps (1901-2001), a professor at Norfolk State University, for 45 years. They are interred together at Calvary Cemetery.
Holds High Navy Rank
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Sep 14, 1963;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. C1
2nd Annual Beach Party Held For Handicapped:
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Jul 27, 1963;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. B11
Capps Enters Nov. 3 Race For Congress
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Aug 8, 1970;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. 16
Tidewater Area Deaths
New Journal and Guide (1921-2003); Mar 11, 1972;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. 23
Physician Succumbs To Long Illness
New Journal and Guide (1916-2003); Dec 1, 1982;
ProQuest Historical Newspapers Norfolk Journal and Guide (1921-2003)
pg. 1
Biographical information provided by Norfolk Bureau of Cemeteries.
Visitor Information
Visitor Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Office hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Free parking inside cemetery.
Admission Cost: Free
Address: 1600 St. Julian Ave., Norfolk, VA 23504
Official web site for more information: www.norfolk.gov/cemeteries
Norfolk Society for Cemetery Conservation Web Site: