Mildred Baker

Mildred Jeffries Baker, affectionately known in our family as "Grantillie," passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on June 20, 2025. Born on January 22, 1931, in Columbia, Kentucky to John and Flora Jeffries, Mildred lived a rich, full life defined by family, service, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Raised on a small farm, Mildred left home at 14 to pursue her education in town, living with her sister Evelyn and brother-in-law Gaspard so she could attend Columbia High School. It was during these years that she met the love of her life, Tyler Baker. After graduating together in 1948, Mildred attended Lindsey Wilson College, studying office management, and on Tyler's 18th birthday in 1950, the two were married.

Their life together took them to San Antonio, where Tyler studied chiropractic medicine, and then to the Gulf Coast, where they established Baker Chiropractic in Lake Jackson, Texas. For over fifty years, the pair worked side by side, with Tyler treating patients and Mildred managing the practice. She adored traveling, especially on Rotary cruises and international adventures she helped organize through Inner Wheel, the Rotarian wives' group, and frequent trips to Las Vegas. When Tyler served as a Rotary District Governor, she was his tireless and enthusiastic partner in service, and claimed she had his speeches memorized word-for-word, in case he was ever unable to deliver them.

She loved hosting, reading novels, sewing (including dresses for her daughters when they were young), and sharing a glass of her favorite chardonnay with friends and family. Mildred enjoyed sharing her talents, painting in acrylics and creating jewelry throughout different periods of her life. She had a particular fondness for dogs, a keen sense of humor, and a sharp eye for golf - especially when watching her favorite, Jordan Spieth, whose career she followed religiously (and whose recent struggles she lightheartedly blamed on his happy marriage).

Mildred lived independently in her home until the end, staying deeply connected to her family and fiercely proud of each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As the matriarch of the family, she delighted in supporting everyone's pursuits, from medicine to real estate, business to cybersecurity, with sincere interest and pride. We all feel grateful to have loved her and be loved by her.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Dr. Tyler Baker; her brothers, Dr. Bryan Royse and Earl Jeffries; and her sisters, Pansy Jeffries McKinley, Evelyn Jeffries Brockman, and Doris Jeffries Knape.

Mildred is survived by her three children: daughter Linda Riek and her husband Robert Riek and children Sean Catlett (Shannon), Blake Catlett (Lindsay), Jordan Riek (Megan), Tyler Riek (Lauren), and Lauren Riek; daughter Dr. Donna Baker and her husband Robert Faickney and sons Harrison Faickney (Lee), and Chandler Faickney (Ashley); and son Kevin Baker and his wife Lori Carper and children Gage Baker (Emily) and Anne-Elisabeth Baker. She also leaves behind fifteen great-grandchildren: Calder, Peyton, Pierce, Keller, Carson, Miller, Turner, Smith, Grace, Hudson, Parker, Cora, Kohen, Walker, and River, who were among her greatest joys.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Brazosport Center for the Arts & Sciences or the Brazosport Rotary Club.