Elizabeth Ann Vaughan Capps

Elizabeth Ann Vaughan Capps died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017, in Searcy, Ark. She was born in Searcy on Dec. 14, 1936, to Barnett and Pauline Huffstuttler Vaughan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her step-mother, Rosa Mae Vaughan; brother, Coleman Vaughan; sister-in-law, Carol Vaughan; and infant granddaughter, Elizabeth Reed. She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, former Senator and House Speaker John Paul Capps; and her loving children, Paula Capps Sarathy of New York City and husband Rajesh Parthasarathy, Kimberly Capps Reed and husband Jerome (Jerry) Reed of Nashville, Tenn., John Paul Capps Jr., also of Nashville; adoring granddaughter, Olivia Grace Reed of St. Louis, Mo.; doting aunts, Virginia Huffstuttler Hindman of Searcy and Ora Delle Huffstuttler Hightower of Houston, Texas; and several beloved cousins and nieces and nephews. She was perhaps the youngest 80-year-old ever, with a kind, gentle spirit, endless curiosity, and a delight in lifelong learning. She began her career at Rodgers Hospital and Searcy Medical Center, where she enjoyed learning about the medical field and where she made many friends for life. She was an invaluable partner for her husband in both his legislative and broadcasting work; she often acted as his diplomatic spokesperson when he served in the Arkansas House of Representatives and Senate, and in the latter years of his service, she joined him at the Capitol by working in the legislative bill room, where she again made many friends. She shared her husband's enjoyment of music and broadcasting, and they founded KAPZ / KKSY Radio in Searcy, where she was CFO. She was a voracious reader who loved nothing more than being surrounded by her books and by people who read. She traveled whenever possible, and for many summers recently she studied English history at Christ Church, a college in Oxford University. She loved sports, especially the Arkansas Razorbacks, and politics, especially the Democratic Party, of which she was a fervent lifelong member. In her final illness, she was proud to cast her absentee vote for the first woman nominated by a major party for the presidency. A faithful member of the College Church of Christ in Searcy, her faith sustained her throughout her illness, and her sweet spirit of love and faith shone through the darkest moments. Above all, she delighted in life, and she was well loved. Details about the funeral and memorials are pending. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.