Search by Name

Search by Name

Etta Baker Obituary

MORGANTON, N.C. - Etta Baker, an influential blues guitarist who recorded with Taj Mahal and was awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts, died Saturday, family and friends said. She was 93.

No cause of death was provided, but her health had been failing for years, The News & Observer of Raleigh reported on its Website.

Baker died in Fairfax, Va. while visiting a daughter who had suffered a stroke.

"She just had to go, she just had to see my sister," said Darlene Davis, another daughter who lives next door to Baker's house in Morganton. "She was a great mother and a tower of strength for the family. We always looked up to her."

She was raised in a musical family in Western North Carolina. Baker made her first mark in music in 1956, when she appeared on a compilation album called "Instrumental Music of the Southern Appalachians." The recording was very influential on the growing folk revival, especially her versions of "Railroad bill" and "One-Dime Blues."

She worked for 26 years at a textile mill in Morganton before quitting at age 60 to pursue a career as a professional musician.

Baker became a hit on the international folk-festival circuit, playing Piedmont blues, a mix of clattery rhythms of bluegrass as well as blues.

Mahal, who recorded an album with Baker in 2004, was among those who found inspiration from her rhythmic finger-picking.

"I came upon that record in the '60s," Mahal said. "It didn't have any pictures so I had no idea who she was until I got to meet her years later. But man, that chord in 'Railroad Bill,' that was just the chord. It just cut right through me. I can't even describe how deep that was for me, just beautiful stuff."

Baker also raised a family that eventually numbered nine children.

She also suffered great losses.

Her husband suffered a debilitating stroke in 1964. That same year she was in a serious car accident that killed one of her grandsons. In the span of a month in 1967, her husband died and one of her sons was killed in the Vietnam War.

Baker toured well into her 80s, but finally had to quit because of heart problems.

This year she no longer had the strength to play guitar so she focused on playing banjo. She could still play great a month ago, said Wayne Martin, who plays fiddle on her banjo collection coming out next year.

Baker also is to appear on blues-rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd's next album due out in November.

"She embodied everything we love about the South," said Tim Duffy, who worked with Baker through his Music Maker Relief Foundation.

"She was strong, warm, witty, gentle; a gardener and also the world's premiere Piedmont-style blues guitarist," he said. "Like B.B. King and single-string blues, anybody who has picked up acoustic finger-style guitar has been influenced by Etta whether they know it or not."

Funeral plans were not immediately available.
Published by Charlotte Observer from Sep. 24 to Sep. 27, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Etta Baker

Not sure what to say?





67 Entries

Evelyn Boyce Mitchell

March 17, 2024

Aunt Etta, you were loved by your nephew Shirley Boyce my father! I remember when I was a little girl, dad would say, let´s go see Aunt Etta and I said ok"! He would drive from Lenoir to Morganton we visit with Aunt Etta and they would always talk about the good ole days, I truly admired the love you showed me and brothers and sisters when we visited!

Joey

September 7, 2020

I love you guitar playing

Robert D. Cron

September 21, 2019

I never knew you, but your music, and how you lived your life has been an inspiration to me.If I knew where you were buried I would visit your grave and pay my Respects. Thank You, rest in the Arms of Jesus.

January 5, 2016

I love you mother. And I know mom is in heaven with you DeeDee and other love one's

March 20, 2010

For Etta...

WEEP NOT FOR ME


Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.

Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.

I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.

Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.

Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.

Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.


© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California

Carolyn Moore

October 18, 2006

Miss Etta was a beautiful person.Welcomed everyone into her heart. I am honored to have met her.

Derek Bowers

October 10, 2006

I am deeply sorry for your loss my prayers are with you and your family

Paula

October 5, 2006

Dear family, I am very sorry to hear about your loss. My grandmother was 95 when she passed away last Christmas Eve. I know that Mrs.Baker and my grandma are enjoying eternity with Jesus forever. God Bless you all.

Dawn D. Avery

October 5, 2006

Your Music, Love, Laughter, and Inspiration will be my guiding legacy. I love you, Muddy. May angels sing with you forever and always. Until we see one another again. Your Little Mattie.

Steve Martin

October 2, 2006

I've enjoyed her music for many years. She will be missed very
much.

james wilkins

October 1, 2006

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I will always remember that you always had a smile on your face, always.

Ralph R. Speas

October 1, 2006

The Piedmont Blues Preservation Society expresses our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Etta Baker. Our relationship with Etta over the years has been both rewarding and historical. Her creative and expressive talent in the genre of blues music will never be duplicated.

John Schelp

October 1, 2006

Etta Baker's contributions will live for generations to come.

You're all in our thoughts and prayers.

Etta and one of her fans, Gaile

October 1, 2006

Gaile Welker

October 1, 2006

I first saw Etta perform in 1993 and continued to see her perform every chance I got. She was the most extraordinary, kind, and graceful person. One year I gave her a mini-rose bush for her birthday and she later told me she planted it by her steps. I feel blessed to have known her and her music. The joy, courage and talent she brought to the world will never be forgotten. I'll always miss you, Etta.

Nakia Baker

September 30, 2006

Grandmother,I know Jesus got his hands on you and keeping you secure, I know that you and grandma Rachel ARE having a glorious time praising GOD TOGETHER!

September 29, 2006

The Jenkins, Tate, and Brown families send their condolences to the family of Mrs. Etta Lucille Baker. We pray that God sustains the family in this time of celebration of life by providing peace, solace, and comfort.

Katie Phillips

September 29, 2006

Aunt Etta, I will always remember your smile and your laughter and the love that you showed to all of us. I will never forget the time that you and Momma Cora played the guitar together and I would dance to my favorite song John Henry. I love you and Momma Cora forever, Katie.

Bernadette Moore

September 29, 2006

When I moved here from New York City after retiring from RCA Records, I read an article about Mrs. Baker in the Charlotte Observer. I am so sorry I never had a chance to meet her and to talk to her about music. I am so sorry for your lost. May God Bless you all.

Renee Lane

September 29, 2006

Natalie& family,

Drey and I would like to send our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family at this time. May you find comfort in knowing that God has prepared a place for your love one in his garden, where the flowers bloom forever.

I can just hear the angels rejoicing to the melodious sounds of the guitar being played by Mrs. Etta.

Many Blessings,

Renee, Drey, DJ, Gavin & Callie

Teresa Speaks

September 29, 2006

God has stretched out his loving arms and has welcomed a new Angel home. Welcome home Miss Etta..Welcome home...

Nelda Bailey

September 28, 2006

Bailey@Wakefield Family,
At this time we wish to express our appreciation for Mrs Etta Baker.
Our mother Mary Etta Johnson -Wakefield Knew her well. They are now in that beautiful garden of our Lord. We will miss her appearances on PBS and how well she represented the mountain cities of North Carolina. Most of all we will miss her music. Baker family keep up the good work by proudly contributing to your community.

Fawn Avery

September 28, 2006

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006

Mother&Darlene

September 28, 2006

Mother&John

September 28, 2006

5 Baker kids

September 28, 2006

Daddy,Mother,Harry

September 28, 2006

Nadia Avery

September 28, 2006

I was there with my great grandmother Etta Baker as she quietly passed away and as I sat there I began to weep. I remember her being so strong all of my life and then seeing her so helpless made me want to be strength for her. As my family and I began to pray, I was once again comforted by God and I knew I could be strong for Mother and my family. I will always cherish your memory Mother(Muddy) and I will miss your loving kindness. Thank you for always cheering me on! Your Great Granddaughter, Nadia DeeLauren Avery

LiL-JeVaughn Thomas II

September 28, 2006

I love you Great Gran!

Love,

Your Great Grandson,

JeVaughn Thomas II

Patricia Barnes

September 28, 2006

Dear Mother,

You will truly be missed but you will forever be in our hearts.

Love,

Patricia
and
Wanda

Anne Sumlin(Phillips)

September 28, 2006

Aunt Etta was so very speacial to me. I will miss her so much.She always made you feel so loved evertime you saw her. She always called you "Baby". I remember hearing her use the phrase "wheetdy, wheetdy" I still use it today. Aunt Etta I know the angels are dancing to your beautiful music and I take comfort in knowing that you lived a wonderful life doing what you loved and I thank God for that and the impact you had on my life. I can see you and Moma Cora hugging each other and calling each other Homer Gragg and just laughing.Now you can make that beautiful music together again. Give her a hug for me.Love, Anne

Steve Avery

September 28, 2006

I have always heard that God uses ordinary people. Well in that sense, he certainly did when it comes to Mother Etta! She was an ordinary person who lived an exceptional life in a quiet and determined way!
Etta Baker was born March 31, 1913 to Madison Boone and Sally Scott-Reid. It was a musical family, with love and laughter and great stories. She worked for 26 years in a textile mill before she quit her job and started playing professionally; she was 60 years old when she started her second career. She was a gifted painter, story-teller, humorist, cook, musician, gardener, friend, Mother and Grandmother.
Mother Etta had the most humorous way of telling you a story about the past. Every thing she taught you or told you, was witty and full of laughter. There was no real downside to her personality.
Mother Etta was a perfectionist; that took special care with the details of life. She stopped to smell the roses, enjoy the sunsets and learn as many skills as she could. She liked to cook and can and make jelly and wine, and, if you were lucky enough to sit down with Mother Etta at her kitchen table, you could depend on a great cup of coffee or a simple meal that warmed your soul!
Her food was just like her guitar playing, smooth, sometimes simple and sweet, sometimes complex and spicy. When you put the food in your mouth it was, as they say, the true deal! Most likely, you were going to get something that had a little red pepper in it or it might have a little sugar in it! As I said it was like listening to her music.
When Mother would sit in her living room here in Morganton, she held her face and body with a cool, determined intensity, with quiet patience and resolve. You knew she was working it out. When most people sit down to play a guitar, they want to rush to show that they can play. They might know two or three cords. They might rush you through the performance, concentrating on the finale instead of the journey. Mother Etta wasn’t like that, each cord was a trip, to be savored and enjoyed. She loved that she could hear her father when she played the cords that he had taught her, so for her the music was a journey back and a leap forward. You knew Mother’s music whenever you heard it.
I remember once while I was in the kitchen cooking at home, I had my television on. I heard a guitar playing from the television. And I said to myself, “Wow” that really sounds like Mother Etta.” I went to the television and there she was on a P-B-S station, smiling and strumming her guitar. I could not believe it. But I had no reason to doubt that she could do it. She “took her music out on the road!
It was more than more thirty years ago, when she told me that she was going to take her music out on the road. And so, now (today) I can say, “Wow, did she ever! (Cheers)
Everyone can talk about someone’s accomplishments, but often it’s in people’s times of trouble that we learn the most about them. Well, in the case of our beloved Mother Etta, we have to talk about how she dealt with adversity. We might ask how it was that she and her husband were able to take care of nine children, in the middle of the Depression, when so many families fell to poverty and misery. First of all, we know that she and Lee Baker; usually worked three jobs both; driving two pick-up trucks, to haul their harvest in the fall. Mother Etta would laughingly say, “Baby, I would get in a truck and Lee would get in a truck. We would be up on top of the mountain, hauling goods down the mountain where we worked at a resort, and, I would be keeping up with him, turn for turn, all the way down the mountains.” They worked in restaurants and furniture factories, and bartered their way through it all, raising their kids, with laughter, music and hard work.
Mother Etta was a faithful person, she loved the LORD GOD! I never ever remember watching Mother Etta eat anything before she stopped to pray! All of us who have ever been around her can say this. Every one of us can remember her bowing her head in prayer, thanking God for her many blessings. She thanked Him for her blessings and for her message. Her music was the loudest message available. It comes from Psalm 100. And it says – “MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE UNTO THE LORD, ALL YE LANDS.”
Mother always said, “ I let my guitar do my talking!”
When I ask myself about her life, I’ve come to the conclusion that her life was about unity and bringing people together. Last Wednesday, when she had traveled to Washington to see her daughter, my mother, Dorothy, I was telling her that I had heard that a praying woman could save her whole family; that her prayers received special consideration. I told that I had heard an anthropologist say that a person’s maternal grandmother is the most important person in their lives. She found that to be an interesting fact. Think of it this way, if you mother did not come from something special, there is no way that you can turn into something special. Special is as special does.
Before Mother Etta was called home to Glory, last Saturday, she had one last thing she wanted to do. She traveled to the Washington Metro area to visit all of her family on the Northern East Coast. When she got to Washington, she sought out a friend of mine to thank him for sending her a cheesecake, after he had seen her play at Harpers Ferry, in West Virginia. She was able to visit with us, and walking through his garden. It was really beautiful watching them discussing this wonderful garden, and it was so appropriate that on the last day before she fell ill, Mother Etta was spending time again in a garden walking amongst flowers and shrubs, discussing the same beauty that she and her beloved husband Lee had spent enjoying so many years ago, walking in the garden. Now, Mother is in The Garden amongst the most beautiful flowers.
I recall Psalm 143, verse eight and it says, “Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning: for in you do I trust.” And I will never forget Mother Etta’s Loving Kindness.
I say thanks Mother for being so wonderful. And my heart will always adore you and cherish your memory forever. I once gave you a birthday-card. It was a bright yellow card with a smiley face on it. It said, “It’s more than money and more than words, for me it’s family.
Mother Etta, it seems had family all over the world!!!

Regards, Your Grandson,Steve Avery

Malcolm Phillips

September 28, 2006

Aunt Etta,
I am so thankful to God that I was able to see that all too familiar smile, and feel that all too familiar hug, and to see the light of His smile in your eyes. Thank you for the memories that I can carry from here on out, the trips to Morgantown, were always something to look forward to on the weekends, so that I could hear my favorite songs, Railroad Bill and the Carolina Breakdown, Heaven will be dancing to a whole new tune now, thank you once again, and give Momma Cora a big hug from all of us.

Olivia Avery

September 28, 2006

Mother Etta, I just wanted to say that we all knew you as a Mother and a faithful woman. We thank God that He gave you to us! You were a blessing to The Baker Family and your friends and loved ones. Thank you Mother for showing and helping me to be and grow into the young lady I am today. Your great grandaughter: Olivia Faith Avery

Gloria Jo Phillips Cunningham

September 27, 2006

Aunt Etta,
When I think of you my mind reflects on growing up in Lenoir, NC. I remember how you, Moma Cora and Daddy would sat on our front porch playing music until the wee hours of the morning. I remember dancing so long that my legs would give out. I remember everytime my family came to visit you, you would always say, "How's my baby." You would give me a big hug and always thank me for coming. I will always treasure the time we spent together with the family on Saturday, September 15. I will forever miss you and Moma Cora. Until we meet again, Love Joey

RAE SMITH

September 27, 2006

YOUR MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER WILL BE MISSED BY ME AND EVERYONE. I WAS SO INSPIRED BY HER GUITAR PLAYING ESPECIALLY WHEN SHE AND MY GRANDMOTHER(BABE REID) PLAYED TOGETHER. I FEEL THEY HAVE BOTH MET AGAIN IN HEAVEN NOW. ALL OF YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS! YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY. LOVE-RAE (REID) SMITH

Jackie Wooten

September 27, 2006

The first time I saw Etta was on PBS, and I was mesmerized by her playing. I am sure that she was an inspiration to everyone that heard her play. My sympathy goes out to her family.

Dorothy (Tookie) Baker

September 27, 2006

Mother,

You touched my life as no one else has, I love you Mother and I will miss you always. I hope Lil Daddy was there to greet you!
Love, your daughter Tookie!

Maria Reyes

September 27, 2006

You will always remain a treasure to
those of us who were blessed to know
you. God welcomes you as you enter
His rest.

"it shall be done for you as you
have believed" - Matt 8:13

John Daley

September 27, 2006

I met Etta's family in Northern Virginia and they introduced me to her music. I have a treasured copy of "Railroad Bill" they gave me. I listened to it last night a couple of times in rememberance. Etta's spirit lives on in her music and in her wonderful family. I will be the first to buy her new CD's coming out soon.

With deepest sympathy to the family -- A huge fan

Rebecca Jennings

September 26, 2006

I have very fond memories of Aunt Etta that will always be in my heart. Take comfort family in knowing that the love you have as well as the loving memories of Aunt Etta will always be with you all . You will lovingly smile as you think of her smile and the words of wisdom she has given us all. Thank God for such a beautiful woman inside and out. God bless you all. From: Rebecca, Pie (Ernest), Erica, Kendrick, Brandon and Renita.

Marshall Goers

September 26, 2006

I had the tremendous pleasure and honor of meeting and getting to know Etta through my girlfriend, Lucy Allen. In addition to being an incredible musician, Etta was very encouraging towards and appreciative of other musicians. The last time I saw her, I played a couple of her father's favorites for her: Johnson Boys on the fiddle and Sourwood Mountain on the banjo. I'll always remember the experience and chesish the moments I was blessed by visiting Etta. She was a great woman and one of the most gracious and charming people one could ever hope to meet.

Peggy [Boyce] Hightower

September 26, 2006

God has smiled down upon you and took you home. Even though I didnt get to really know you I thought of you often.

Marty Richards

September 26, 2006

Tell GOD I said hello.

Regreatfully,

Marty Richards

The Kasprzak Family

September 26, 2006

Words can not express how our lives were touched by such a wonderful person. To have heard the family stories were enough to know how special your Grandmother/Mother was. It was truly an honor to have met her for the first time this month. She has left the Kasprzak's believing she was an angel in disguise. Love you all!

Renee Hunter Budd

September 26, 2006

Mother Etta
It was a blessing to be with you and the family on Sept. 15th. I had not seen you since I was a teenager. To see how happy you were made us all smile. I will never forget that day!

Aretha Rogers

September 26, 2006

I heard Etta on Charlotte public tv as recent as a few weeks ago. I believe it was on Our State. She was such an inspiration for me. Her music was a treasure.

Walt Westbrook

September 26, 2006

My family saw Ms. Baker in concert a few years ago with Wayne Henderson and his crew. She was absolutely amazing. I didn't know what to expect when she came out with her cane and sat down, then someone handed her a Stratocaster and she started fingerpicking. She was spectacular! After she was done, during a break, I took my daughter back to meet her. Etta had mentioned that she had lived in Chase City, VA as a child, and we live in Clarksville, about 15 miles away. Etta was very gracious and allowed me to take a picture of her with my daughter, which was included in her senior yearbook as part of what she did during the summer. As a finger-picking guitarist myself, I acknowledge the debt I owe to Etta. May God hold her in his arms, and bless all the family she left behind.

Rusty Ellis

September 26, 2006

How sad to see you go, but the
memories we have seeing and hearing
you perform will linger in our
hearts forever. Do angels play
guitars in heaven?

Charlie and Rusty Ellis
Charlotte, NC

Van Willis

September 26, 2006

My prayers are with you all.

Natalie Ross

September 26, 2006

Mother Etta,
I am really going to miss you. I thank GOD for the days that we had together, we were able to laugh and listen to your stories, eat together and share those fried/boiled mushrooms, pancakes and apple pie, coffee on you back porch. I Love you MOTHER!

Teresa Eisenbraun

September 26, 2006

I met you through your grandson Sheldon. You were a delightful, friendly lady. You will be missed not only by your family, but all that knew you. God bless your family at this difficult time.

Fawn Avery

September 26, 2006

Etta Baker was my Grandmother. She will always be loved and missed by many that knew her and those that have experienced her smile, warmth and music. Mother Etta came to visit my 1 pound baby when she was born prematurely, she said "Baby(she always prefaced her words with Baby) that baby of yours is going to make it-you just keep trusting in God! I will miss Mother's love of nature, how she could tell a good story and you felt you were the only one to have the inside scoop, her good down home cooking and her love- from granddaughters: Fawn, Nadia, Olivia, Sherisse, Natalie, Dee Dee, Teresa, Daughter-Tookey, grandsons Dione, Stefawn, Steve, Carl and friend Adrian. Mother's sweet memory will live on!

Kimberly Davis

September 26, 2006

I thank the LORD for blessing me to have (Muddy) as one of the best grandmothers in the world, my family has been truly blessed.

kenneth cooper

September 26, 2006

May God be with all of you so many times I've heard Edgar and my friend Dorothy speak of their mother.

JeVaughn Thomas

September 26, 2006

I love you Mother. You are forever in our hearts. Your Grandson.

Le'Quoia Bell

September 25, 2006

Etta Baker was my great grand mother and I loved her very much.I know she is looking down on us thinking about how much she is going to miss us. We all will miss her very much and i can't wait to see her in heaven playing "Railroad Bill" for all of the angels. We all love her and we all will miss her. God has received a true angel.

Le'Quoia Bell

September 25, 2006

Etta Baker was my great grand mother and I loved her very much.I know she is looking down on us thinking about how much she is going to miss us. We all will miss her very much and i can't wait to see her in heaven playing "Railroad Bill" for all of the angels. We all love her and we all will miss her. God has recieve a true angel.

Freda Reid

September 25, 2006

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jim Oldham

September 25, 2006

Like so many, Etta Baker reached me with her music. I would have liked to meet her. Darn, I never did figure out her guitar picking method. She'll continue to pick in that better place. Thank you Etta.

Clifford Orange

September 25, 2006

I have had the pleasure to meet Ms.Baker on several occassions and
each was a total delite, Once she played my Tut Taylor Reso guitar and
I have photo's of her playing the guitar, Her response was, that sure is a pretty little guitar, you take care of it and it should serve you a long time. Ms.Baker was a professional in all that she did, just simply a wonderful person to have known. She will be greatly missed.

Chuck McKesson

September 25, 2006

I am truly BLESSED to know Ms Etta. Growing up in Morganton, in the neghborhood just up the street from my parents house hearing how she made music just feel alive and always ALWAYS a smile on her face and just true love and respect for everyone she met. As a child Ms Etta always told me to believe and to that I thank you and you will always be in my heart.

Anne Gaither

September 25, 2006

I bought the CD of your mother and Taj Mahal last year. It is one of my favorites. I loved her story, and how matter of fact she was about her tremendous talent, and how important it was to her to have a family centered life as opposed to being a music star. I consider her an inspiration, and have told students about her. God bless you during this sad time.

Esther Smith Lyytle

September 25, 2006

Sometimes we wait too late to go visit family and loved ones. The good thing is we'll see one another in HEAVEN

Tammy W

September 25, 2006

I never knew Mrs. Baker. I just saw her picture in the Obituaries. Her beauty came through. As I read the wonderful tribute to her, I can feel the love her family had for her.

I've never commented before but wanted her family to know that I was touched.

May God comfort you in your loss of this lovely lady.

Showing 1 - 67 of 67 results

Make a Donation
in Etta Baker's name

How to support Etta's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Etta Baker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more