01/05/2024
Mrs. Brenda T. Capel will be our Grand Marshall for the MLK 2024 Parade.
Brief autobiography for Brenda T. Capel
Born and reared in Ellerbe, NC, to the late William and Ruth Robinson Terry. There were four siblings (three females, one male), all sisters are now deceased, brother is retired military and currently resides in Stuttgart Germany.
During my early years, my father passed away and it was my mother’s desire to do the best she could without a spouse. We very soon learned good work ethics as we would work in the fields (with my uncle raising to***co) during the summer months and would help clean houses during the winter.
I have been married to Anthony Capel, Sr. for fifty-two years; we have two sons, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
I graduated from Ellerbe High School and later obtained an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Human Services Technology from Richmond Community College, as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Science from Gardner Webb University.
I have worked in the mental health field for more than thirty years. My work history includes case management, School Social Worker, Qualified Mental Health Professional, Coordinator of Community Alternatives Program, and lastly business owner that provided mental health contract services for the developmentally disabled. In 2021 I was elected the first African American Mayor of Ellerbe, NC, and in December 2023 was sworn in for my second term. Since being elected to the office of Mayor, the Town Commissioners and I have made cohesive efforts to make improvements/upgrades for the town. In additional to performing mayoral duties, a large percentage of my time is spent volunteering in the community, gardening, and providing aid to those in need.
I am a member of the Sneed Grove AME Zion Church of Ellerbe, where I serve as President of the Women’s Home and Oversees Missionary Society, President of the Stewardess Board, and General
Claims Secretary.
Other memberships include Past Associate Matron of Order of Eastern Star, Open Spring #320; Executive Board Member of AME Zion Church Rockingham District Lay Council; former Democratic Precinct Secretary for Mineral Springs #1, Member of Mineral Springs Improvement Council, Inc., where I serve as Treasurer, as well as Assistant Coordinator of Community Food Pantry. Through Covid Relief, I was able to procure funding to purchase additional equipment for food storage to assist with the increased demands for Ellerbe and the surrounding communities. I also launched the campaign for the naming of the Greenlake Road Bridge in honor Chief Justice Henry Frye.
