inez wortley whitehead caples
1907-2000
Life Story
Birth and Family
Inez Wortley Whitehead Caples was born on March 7, 1907, in Newton County, Mississippi. She was the daughter of Ambrose Whitehead (1876–1960) and Marietta Walker Whitehead (1879–1968), members of a family deeply rooted in faith, land, and community life in Newton County.
Education and Early Employment
In 1930, Inez was listed as a cook for a private family, an occupation common for African American women during the era. Rather than remaining limited to domestic labor, she pursued further education. By 1937, she appeared in a Meridian, Mississippi city directory as a student, demonstrating her commitment to advancing her education and professional opportunities.
That same year, she began teaching at a school in Lake, Mississippi, marking her transition into the field of education and community service.
Marriage and Migration
In the 1940s, Inez married Edgar Caples (1901–1988) of Conehatta, Mississippi. Like many Black families during the mid-twentieth century, the couple later migrated north in search of greater opportunity, eventually settling in Chicago, Illinois.
Church Leadership and Community Service
Early in life, she was a member of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. While living in Chicago, Inez became actively involved in church work, eventually being selected as the director of the newly established Baptist Training Union department at Shiloh Baptist Church in the Englewood community. In this role, she offered religious instruction and organizational leadership, showcasing her dedication to faith-based education and service.
Later Years, Death, and Burial
In her later years, Inez returned to Newton County, Mississippi, maintaining close ties to her family, church, and community. She passed away on January 6, 2000, and was laid to rest at Union Chapel United Methodist Church graveyard in Lawrence, Newton County, Mississippi.
Resting Place
Union Chapel United Methodist Church
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2
- U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995
- The Newton Record, Edgar Caples Obituary, Wed, Sep 21, 1988 ·Page 6
- U.S., Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002
- The Chicago Defender, Sat, Dec 15, 1956 ·Page 11
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- The Newton Record, Ambrous Whitehead Obituary, Wed, Nov 09, 1960 ·Page 11
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