‘She was always there.’ Student reflects on late Twiggs County teacher’s impact

When Zyon Height learned that her former childhood teacher, Michelle Capece, had died, she said she immediately became emotional.

Capece, a Jeffersonville Elementary School teacher who spent 24 years with Twiggs County Public Schools, died Jan. 6. Since the announcement of her death, school officials, students and families have shared tributes of the district’s 2025 Teacher of the Year on social media, highlighting Capece’s devotion and influence that extended far beyond the classroom.

Among them was Height, 21, of Jeffersonville, who described Capece as a key component of the district’s structure.

“Her passing was so unexpected, as I had planned to visit her classroom this week before I returned to college,” the Georgia Southern University student told The Telegraph in a written response.

Capece was Height’s fourth-grade science teacher, but Height said their relationship began long before that. When Height was 5 years old, she told Capece she wanted to become a heart surgeon — a dream Capece supported throughout her life and admired her for continuing to pursue into adulthood.

In a press release shared Wednesday afternoon, Twiggs County school officials announced Capece’s death and recognized her as someone who was deeply involved in school life and supported many students in both their academic and personal journeys.

Capece served as a Beta Club advisor, worked closely with STEM programs and was a familiar presence at school sporting events, where she was known for enthusiastically supporting Twiggs County athletes, according to the district.

“She was known for attending many sports events with her cowbell,” officials added. “She was even known for purchasing hockey pucks for all of her students when they attended a Macon Mayhem STEM day hockey game so that everyone could participate in the Chuck-a-Puck during the game.”

District leaders said Capece was a cherished part of the Twiggs County Community, and the loss is felt deeply by students, staff and families — as many families have commented that she was one of their favorite teachers.

Height echoed that sentiment, recalling numerous memories with the late educator. She said Capece encouraged her to participate in the school’s science fair and helped her prepare, which ultimately led to a second-place win.

But one of Height’s more recent memories involved Capece donating $500 to support Height’s medical volunteer trip.

“She was so excited for me and only requested that I bring her back a T-shirt,” Height said.

She added that when she later visited Capece, the educator was thrilled to hear about the experience, proudly sharing Height’s journey with her coworkers and students at the time.

Height said Capece consistently showed her care for students outside school walls — attending extracurricular activities and continuing to support students long after graduation.

“Throughout my life, Ms. Capece was always there,” Height said. “She did things for me that no other teacher has done. If there was ever something a student needed and she was able to help, she made sure it was done.”

Height described Capece as one of the most influential teachers to ever walk through the doors of the Twiggs County public school system.

“She was loved by everyone she encountered, and her sweet soul touches countless lives,” Height said. “She was a vital part of the community and will forever remain a piece of its foundation.”

Capece was 60 years old.

Services for Capece are being handled by the Serenity Funeral Home in Dublin, the district said Wednesday.

More information will be given once arrangements have been finalized.

This story was originally published January 7, 2026 at 3:25 PM.