Tommie Anne Baker

Baker, Tommie Anne
was born on Nov. 9, 1929 in Yoakum, TX to Bertha and Thomas Baker. She moved a lot as a child, graduating from high school in Jeffersonville, IN. She worked her way through college, earned a degree in social work, and secured her first job as a medical social worker. A position as a probation officer in Indianapolis also provided the opportunity to begin graduate studies. It was at IUPUI that she met her husband Bill on the first day of class. They married the next summer and soon became parents to two daughters. Bill's work took them from Indianapolis to Hamilton, Ohio, and then to Phoenix. While in Ohio, Tommie worked as a caseworker for Head Start when it was in its infancy. After a brief time as a part-time teacher's aide, when her children were in school, Tommie enjoyed 13 years as a Head Start caseworker for the City of Phoenix. She was an active member of Orangewood Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon and on the Parish Life Committee. She valued being able to help others follow their educational dreams while enjoying the fellowship of her sisters in PEO. Bill and Tommie traveled extensively, especially after retirement, often with family. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 24. Tommie leaves behind her loving husband of 59 years, William A., daughters Cynthia of Phoenix and Teresa Powell (Tim) of Tucson, grandchildren Adam Powell (Jamie) of Los Altos, CA and Alyssa Crone (Pat) of Tucson, great-granddaughter Adalyn Tommie, sister Mary Unkle of Lakeland, FL, brother William H. (Alberta) of Louisville, KY, brother John of New Albany, IN, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. A celebration of her life will be held at Orangewood Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 8 at 1:30. Memorial gifts may be made to Orangewood Presbyterian Church.