Jeanette Baker Clifton

Jeanette Baker Clifton died on November 17, 2025. She was born in Talladega County, Alabama, on November 28, 1939, the oldest of the three children of Dolvin and Willie McNeal Baker. Jeanette is survived by her daughter Danette Banish, son-in-law Peter Banish, granddaughter Elise Banish, sister Robbie Usrey and beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Franklin Clifton, her parents, and her brother Calvin Baker. She was a graduate of Fayetteville High School, where she graduated as valedictorian of her class. She and Franklin raised their daughter in Columbiana and, in their retirement, lived in Sylacauga. For the last five years of her life, Jeanette resided at Fair Haven in Birmingham. Jeanette was a member of Sylacauga First United Methodist Church. For over 30 years, she was a member of Columbiana United Methodist Church, where she also worked as the church secretary for much of that time. Church and her Christian faith were an important part of her life. She taught youth Sunday School for a time, sang in the choir, and was active in many Bible studies through the years. She was an active and proud member of United Methodist Women. She served in leadership roles in United Methodist Women at the local church (both at Columbiana and Sylacauga First UMCs), the Sylacauga District, the North Alabama Conference, and the Southeastern Jurisdiction. Her hobbies included reading and Auburn sports. Throughout life, she was a talented crafter, making crocheted Christmas stockings, cross-stitched gifts, and handmade quilts for family members and friends. At Fair Haven, she discovered a new artistic talent and a community of friends in the adult coloring group. A Memorial Service was held on Friday, November 21, at 10:30 a.m. in the Good Shepherd Chapel at Fair Haven, a Methodist Homes of Alabama and Northwest Florida community located at 1424 Montclair Road in Birmingham. Rev. Dr. Steve West officiated. The family received friends beginning at 10 a.m. A graveside service was held on Friday at 2 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Sylacauga, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Fair Haven Fountain of Love Fund (www.methodisthomes.org/senior-living/al/birmingham/fair-haven/donate). Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516. Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga, AL directed the services.