Mary Bell Baker

Mary Bell Gibson Baker, 99, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, widow of Angus Sellers Baker, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, September 4, 2012. A memorial service will be held Friday, September 7, 2012 in First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, 53 Meeting Street at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends Friday following the service in Molly Wier Hall. Interment, private. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL. Mrs. Baker was born September 27, 1912 in Quitman, Georgia, daughter of John Ellis Gibson and Grace Lee Gibson. She was a graduate of Georgia State College for Women and a member of First (Scots) Presbyterian Church. Known to her friends as Mickey, she was very active in her church and community. Residing in Charleston for most of the years since her marriage in 1935, she thrived in leadership at First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, where she was an Elder and twice President of the Women of the Church. With her husband Angus, she was active in Scottish activities, including the annual Scottish Sunday celebration at First (Scots). Mickey was President of Crafts School and Charleston High School Parent Teacher Association. She was a Life Member of the Ladies' Benevolent Society, where she was a past Superintendent and Honorary Life Member of the Society Board. She served as Parliamentarian and Board Member of the Garden Club of Charleston, and was an Honorary Life Member of the Garden Club of South Carolina. She was Past President of the Century Club of Charleston and of the English Speaking Union. She lived independently and energetically until age 95, and lived until her 100th birthday month, especially delighted by visits from her three great grandchildren. The last five years of her life were greatly benefited by the excellent and compassionate care of the staff of Franke at Seaside. The peace, comfort and safety of her last hours and days were additionally made possible by the caring and professional staff of Hospice of Charleston and the Hospice Center. She is survived by her son, Dr. Angus S, Baker (Susan Parsons) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, daughter, Mary B. Pringle (Peyre) of Isle of Palms, SC, five grandchildren: Lee Meredith Baker (Michele Dwyre), Sarah Baker Thomas (David), James Parsons Tinkey (Adrian Broome), Charles Franklin Ailstock Jr. (Jackie), and Robert Angus Ailstock; three great grandchildren, and one sister, Laura Lee Purvis of Columbia, SC. She was predeceased by her daughter, Lee Gibson Baker. Memorials may be made to First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, 53 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401, Franke at Seaside, 1885 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, or Hospice of Charleston Foundation, P.O. Box 417, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465.