Eva Baker

1933 - 2025

EVA MARIE COLES BAKER, Ph.D.

Eva Marie Coles Caldwell Baker passed away peacefully, Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at her home in Charlottesville, VA, one day before her 92nd birthday. Until that point, her previous 91 years were marked by her fierce independence, charitable concern and commitment to reaching out to others seeking help, and her deep sense of justice. Marie's brilliance was recognized early in life as was her eloquence in advocating the causes she championed. She was outspoken, loyal, gracious, and funny - all these wonderful attributes, and so many more, modeled by loving, trailblazing parents and siblings.

Marie was born in Buffalo, NY, to Leroy and Eva Coles, December 24, 1933, the last of their five children. She excelled in Buffalo's public school system and later attended Talladega College in Alabama, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. A committed lifelong learner, Marie subsequently completed a Master of Social Work degree from Smith College in Northampton, MA, and culminated her studies by receiving joint degrees, a Master of Public Health and a Ph.D., from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.

She began her professional career in Buffalo as a social worker at Children's Hospital and later extended her contributions to education by serving as an associate professor in the Social Work Department at Buffalo State College. Post the award of her doctorate degree, Marie was a sought-after professor at Howard University's School of Social Work and served for a period as the assistant dean.

In 1957, Marie married the late Arthur D. Caldwell in Buffalo, NY, and through their union they welcomed two beautiful children, son Keenan Arthur, and daughter Martha Eva Frances. The Caldwells were active community leaders and engaged members of Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, while Marie exhibited her outstanding work/life balance in Buffalo as a homemaker and member/leader of several organizations, many focused on overcoming racial and social injustices. Ultimately, it was these experiences that led to Marie's invitation as the first Black woman in her profession for membership into Zonta International (founded in 1919 in Buffalo, NY). In 1991, Marie was engaged in the startup of the Buffalo chapter of the 100 Black Women. She was also a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Buffalo chapters of The Links, Inc., and Jack and Jill, Inc.

Years after Marie's first marriage ended, she was reunited with her former high school sweetheart, John E. Baker, who had returned to Buffalo. In 1987 Marie and John married in Buffalo where they lived for several years. In 1991, they relocated to Charlottesville, VA where they became widely recognized for their community involvement and entertaining family and friends in their beautiful and inviting homes.

Marie and John were staunch members of Sojourners United Church of Christ from the outset and Marie served as a co-moderator providing a strong and pragmatic voice on church matters. Marie's outstanding leadership and organizational skills have been widely recognized across the Charlottesville community through her efforts with FOCUS Women's Resource Center, Charlotteville Newcomers Club, and the Contemporary Club of Albemarle where she was admitted as the second Black woman and served on both the Board and as Membership chair.

As a board member of the African American Teaching Fellows (AATF), an organization founded by her late husband John in 1994, Marie and ten friends introduced the John Baker Legacy Dinner, a supportive element for AATF, which provided awareness and financial support by bringing the community together at an annual event for nine years. Other local accomplishments include serving as the past chair of the African American Authors Book Club which provided authors an opportunity to participate annually in the Virginia Festival of the Book. Moreover, Marie made time to be politically active by volunteering behind the scenes in local, state, and federal elections.

Of the many accolades Marie received over the years, perhaps two are not only most noteworthy but reflect the degree of her contributions and impact – The Brotherhood Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews (Buffalo, NY), and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) Phenomenal Woman Award from the 100 Black Women of Charlottesville Metropolitan Area.

Marie is survived by her two devoted children, son Keenan Arthur Caldwell, grandchildren Keenan II (Allison), great-grandson Krew; grandsons Kameron A. and Kollin A. Caldwell; daughter Martha Eva Frances Caldwell (grandson Trevor D. Santiago); stepdaughter Beverly Baker; stepson John E. Baker, Jr. (Yolanda), grandson Stephon, granddaughter Lastacia; sister-in-law Constance Coles; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving Charlottesville friends. Marie was predeceased by her husband John E. Baker; Arthur D. Caldwell; her parents, Leroy and Eva Coles; siblings Georgianna Coles McLean (John), Naomi Coles Caver (Melvin), Leah Coles Hodges (Clemmon), and Leroy R. Coles Jr.

Marie made so many deep connections and wonderful friendships in her lifetime. She leaves behind a network of love that she created and nurtured, which makes our family feel even bigger.

Funeral Services will be held at:

Sojourners United Church of Christ, 1017 Elliott Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22902.

Saturday, January 10, 2026, 11:00 a.m.