According to Myrtle June Capps Lovell who wrote in the “Heritage of Henderson County – Volume 1, Clara Mae Capps was the daughter of Abram Harris Capps and Pauline Sentell and “On 20 May 1928 Clara Mae (Capps) married Swan Burnitte Babb, Senior. He was born at Hot Springs, Madison County, on 18 April 1905. Clara was born 9 September 1906. She was principal of Valley Hill School for many years. Clara was chosen North Carolina Teacher of the Year in 1958. She retired after forty-eight years of service in the Henderson County Schools.”
According “Her Story – A biographical directory of Henderson County women 1945 – 1995 prepared by the Henderson County Council for Women 1995”
“Clara Babb – For almost half a century Clara Babb influenced the lives of hundreds of children in Henderson County. For twenty-seven years she was principal of Valley Hill School, and prior to that she was a classroom teacher. In 1959 she was chosen North Carolina Teacher of the Year. She was educated at Fruitland Institute and the University of North Carolina and graduated from Western Carolina University, where she also received her M.A. degree. Clara was one of eight children, the daughter of Abraham and Pauline Sentell Capps. She was married to Burnette Babb and mother of two children, Barbara (deceased) and Burnette, Jr. She is a proud founding member of Upper French Broad Defense Association. The Henderson County Council of Women presented her with a 1994 Outstanding Women award.”