Captola Sullivan

SULLIVAN, Captola - Age 83, of Flint Township, passed away December 24, 2019 at the Lodges of Durand with her loving daughter by her side. Visitation  will be held from 11 AM- 3PM Saturday, December 28, 2019 at Sharp Funeral Homes,  8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek.In Lieu of flowers those desiring may make contributions to The American Lung Association or a Charity of one's choice.

Captola was born on September 10th 1936 in Newport Arkansas to Dan and Pearl Steward. She was the youngest of the family with sister Alberta and brothers Marvin, M.D., and Bill. She grew up during the depression and told stories of how poor everyone was during that time. She picked cotton from a very young age to help the family out. For fun she was a talented basketball player on the Oil Trough Bears, girls high school team. She met Bobby Gene Sullivan during that time and they fell in love. When he came to Michigan to work in a GM factory, they missed each other so much they got married on August 20th, 1953 before she could finish high school. He was 19 and she was 17 and they returned to Michigan. Ten months later their daughter Deborah was born. Captola hired into GM in 1955 where very few women worked in the factories. In 1956 their son Bobby Jr. was born.
During the years Captola worked at GM mainly in the paint and finish department, her and Bobby Gene raised their family, took care of the home, visited Arkansas as much as possible, and enjoyed the cabin at Sage Lake, Lupton Mi. She rarely took time for herself but had lots of friends and family and a very full life. Cap retired from GM Truck and Bus in 1986 with almost 31 years of service. She was able to enjoy the arrival of her grandchildren and all the joys of retirement. In 1991 Bobby Gene died unexpectedly at the age of 57  and as hard as it was on her Cap continued on.
She didn't enjoy being alone and was fortunate to reacquaint with Robert Borg who also was recently widowed. They enjoyed many wonderful years together going to Florida in the winter and spending time with both of their families activities. Cap was very happy during these years and was able to enjoy so much in life.  As failing health for Bob and herself started to happen and Bob passed away, she started a new journey of her life when she could no longer live alone.
In August 2016 she moved to the Lodges of Durand. She did not want to leave her home where she had lived for over fifty years, but she loved being around people and did not want to be alone. It worked out wonderfully for her once she had a chance to experience it. She became the “life of the party” at the Lodges and helped take care of residents who weren’t able to do things for themselves. It gave her a purpose to help them.
She enjoyed her apartment, activities, and time spent with her daughter getting out and about for day trips. She always had the best attitude and loved her place at the Lodge. Sadly, in the last couple of years her COPD required oxygen 24 hours a day and she needed a walker. Yet none of this slowed her down, she still enjoyed life. Cap entered hospice care about a year ago due to COPD  but still remained as active as she could.
Cappy was a character and as unique as her name. She was a country girl through and through. A few of the little things she will be remembered for are; her sense of humor, love of anything pink, sweet tea from McDonalds (with a hamburger and fries on the side), and her southern accent that never left even though she lived in Michigan for over 65 years. Cap was a hard worker, and loved talking on the telephone (with the same phone number for over 50 years). One of her favorite sayings was “Y’all are crazy”.
The most important thing to remember about her was her love of family. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren are what made her the happiest, along with many wonderful people who entered her life over the years.
Debbie would like to thank the Lodges of Durand for the love and care they gave to Cappy. They were angels to us, so many special people from the caregivers, nurses, activities, maintenance, and office staff. Mom loved you all and tried to keep you all in line.
Also, thank you Heart to Heart Hospice, Erin, Jen, Kyle, and Pastor Ross. Without your love, support and care of mom I don’t know how I would have made it this last year. All of you know what a special lady she is, and how she could make you laugh and feel better when you were having a bad day.
Cappy loved flowers and always had something growing or blooming in her apartment to enjoy. She always said she wanted to enjoy them while she was alive and she did. Her request in lieu of flowers was to make someone’s day brighter, help someone out, visit the sick or elderly, donate to your favorite charity or American Lung Association. Any one of these would please her more than anything.
She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Sullivan; daughter-in-law, Patricia Sullivan; granddaughter, Jennie (Lee); grandson, Bobby (Brandy); five great grandchildren, Landon, Catherine, Colton, Emma and baby Sullivan due in January.  She is survived by her brother, William Steward and many Sullivan and Steward family members. Captola is preceded in death by her parents, Dan and Pearl Steward, Husband, Bobby Gene Sullivan, son, Bobby Gene Sullivan Jr., two brothers and a sister. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com