HUNTSVILLE — Former Huntsville City Schools Superintendent and prominent civic leader Dr. Mary Jane Caylor died Saturday, with family by her side. She was 81.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
A lifelong educator, Caylor was the first female superintendent of Huntsville City Schools, a former elected member of the State Board of Education, and a former dean at J.F. Drake State Community College. She was a native Huntsvillian.
“Dr. Mary Jane Caylor was a tour de force in her work as an educator, business advocate and community leader,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “Forward thinking, strong-willed and effective, Dr. Caylor was never afraid to take a stand to support what she believed was right. Her compassion and dedication to our community will be missed.
“Our hearts go out to her family as we remember this remarkable woman and tireless advocate.”
Caylor chaired the Huntsville Bicentennial Commission and oversaw the construction of the city’s Bicentennial Park downtown.
She was appointed the Executive Director for the Veterans Memorial in downtown Huntsville and worked to establish what has become a nationally recognized memorial.
